SR-71 Blackbird
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The SR-71 Blackbird is one of the most spectacular aircraft ever built. It is a long-range, supersonic reconnaissance aircraft capable of flying at Mach 3.2.
When it first flew, it was an amazing performer and still is, after three decades of unmatched capabilities
The aircraft can fly more than 2200 mph (Mach 3+ or more than three times the speed of sound) and at altitudes of over 85,000 feet. (seven miles higher than the U-2)
Two other planes, the A-12 and the YF-12, are very much identical to the SR-71.
The A-12 was the first plane developed out of the three.
The YF-12 was an SR-71 with an internal bay carrying three Hughes GAR-9/ AIM-47A air to air radar guided missiles, designed to shoot enemy airplanes flying at lower altitudes.
Only three YF-12s were ever built.
Specifications
| Type: | Strategic Reconnaissance | Manufacturer: | Lockheed-Martin Skunkworks |
Country: | USA |
Powerplant: | Pratt and Whitney J-58 axial-flow turbojets with afterburners (2x) | Engine Thrust: | 32,500 lbs (each engine) | Length: | 107.4 ft || 32.73 m | Height: | 18.5 ft || 5.63 m | Wingspan: | 55.6 ft || 16.94 m | Weight: | 140,000 lbs || 52,250 kg (max takeoff) | Max. Speed: | Mach 3.2+ || 2,000+ mph || 3,200+ kph | Range: | 2000+ miles || 3200 km | Ceiling: | 85,000 ft || 26,000 m, When low on Fuel: +/- 90,000 ft | Crew: | Two | costs: | n/a |
Images
A-11/A-12:
YF-12:
SR-71:
