SR-71 Specifications
Manufacturer:
First Flight:
Wingspan:
Length:
Height:
Weight:
Max Speed:
Cruising Speed:
Range:
Ceiling:
Power Plant:
Crew:
Payload:
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
December 22, 1964
55 ft., 7 in.
107 ft., 5 in.
18 ft., 6 in.
67,500 lbs.(Empty), 152,000 lbs.
(Loaded),172,000 lbs.(Max. Takeoff)
Mach 3.3 (2,193 mph at 80,000 ft.)
Mach 3.2
3,200 nautical miles (without refueling)
85,000+ ft.
2 × Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-
bleed afterburning turbojets, 34,000 lbs.
thrust each
2 - Pilot, Reconnaissance Systems
Officer
3,500 lbs. of sensors
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. During reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.
The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents, but none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft.
The SR-71 was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft throughout its career. On 28 July 1976, SR-71 serial number 61-7962, broke the world record: an "absolute altitude record" of 85,069 feet. Several aircraft have exceeded this altitude in zoom climbs, but not in sustained flight. That same day SR-71, serial number 61-7958, set an absolute speed record of 2,193.2 mph approximately Mach 3.3
(Courtesy: Wikipedia)
Return to Previous Page
Web Site, Photos, & Text Compilation created by:
Life's a Beach Staff © 2017 All Rights Reserved
Email: LifesaBeachPhotography.com