ANOTHER AIRCRAFT BOIS!!!

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The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The shape of the SR-71 was based on the A-12 which was one of the first aircraft to be designed with a reduced radar cross-section.

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, a record previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12.

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Role	Strategic reconnaissance aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed, Skunk Works division
Designer	Clarence "Kelly" Johnson
First flight	22 December 1964
Introduction	January 1966
Retired	1998 (USAF), 1999 (NASA)
Status	Retired
Primary users	United States Air Force NASA
Number built	32
Unit cost	$34 million
Developed from	Lockheed A-12

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Specifications (SR-71A)

Data from Pace

General characteristics

• Crew: 2: Pilot and reconnaissance systems officer (RSO)
  
• Payload: 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of sensors
  
• Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)
  
• Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)
  
• Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
  
• Wing area: 1,800 ft² (170 m²)
  
• Empty weight: 67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
  
• Loaded weight: 152,000 lb (69,000 kg)
  
• Max. takeoff weight: 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)
  
• Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
  
• Wheelbase: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
  
• Aspect ratio: 1.7
  
• Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-bleed afterburning turbojets, 34,000 lbf (151 kN) each
  

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 3.3^{[134][135][N 5]} (2,200+ mph, 3,540+ km/h, 1,910+ knots) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)
  
• Range: 2,900 nmi (5,400 km)
  
• Ferry range: 3,200 nmi (5,925 km)
  
• Service ceiling: 85,000 ft (25,900 m)
  
• Rate of climb: 11820 ft/m (60 m/s)
  
• Wing loading: 84 lb/ft² (410 kg/m²)
  
• Thrust/weight: 0.44