Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird Specification:

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.

Top speed: 3,540 km/h
Introduced: 1966
Retired: 1998
Length: 33 m
Unit cost: 33,000,000–33,000,000 USD (1966)
Engine type: Pratt & Whitney J58
Designer: Kelly Johnson

Back in the late 1950s where the Cold War was at its peak, the US was planning the creation of a top-secret aircraft. It led to the creation of the Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird which never became obsolete until this day. As a response to the request for a tactical reconnaissance aircraft, Lockheed Skunk Works were the first to provide a splendidly sweeping design. It was basically an aircraft with an airframe that can reach velocities up to Mach 3.5 as well as leaving a low cross-radar signature that will make it difficult to spot in the radar.

The titanium required for the aircraft was bought from Soviet Union in which the C.I.A created a number of cover-up companies just to make the transaction possible. The Blackbird was made out of titanium while the rest are superior quality composite materials. The pilots flying the Blackbird were required to wear pressurized flight suits in order to withstand the low atmospheric pressure as well as the lack of oxygen when flying at high altitudes. Due to the absence of computerized equipment in the 1960s, the cockpit of the Blackbird was analog.If you like this Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird Article Like It And Share IT…