The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a visitor favorite at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Lieutenant Colonel Ed Yeilding ...

Czinger is particularly fond of the world's fastest air-breather. The entire 21C program was actually inspired by the Lockheed SR-71, which this special model pays tribute to.

The SR-71 is perhaps the most iconic Cold War spy aircraft, famous for many record-setting flights. Seemingly impervious to loss by enemy defenses, a dozen Blackbirds were lost to accidents ...

The SR-71 Blackbird spy plane could fly faster than Mach 3, more than 2,000 miles per hour. This allowed it to easily avoid surface-to-air missiles.

The SR-71 Blackbird remains an aviation icon, decades after being retired. The aircraft was one of the most visually distinct, and technically distinct, aircraft ever built.

What You Need to Know: The SR-71 Blackbird, known for being the fastest crewed jet in history, evaded over 4,000 missiles during its service. However, in training exercises, it faced simulated ...

The SR-71 was so quick that it remains the fastest air-fed plane ever built — even today. With a top speed of Mach 3.3, the Blackbird could outrun missiles that might try to shoot it down.

By: Brandon J. Weichert Summary and Key Points: The SR-71 Blackbird, an iconic Cold War spy plane, was retired in 1999, but its legacy as a symbol of American technological superiority remains strong.

In 1976, reconnaissance officer George Morgan, left, and pilot Eldon "Al" Joersz set the world aviation speed record in an Air Force SR-71 Blackbird spy jet. Their record -- 2,193 mph -- still stands.

SR-71 Blackbird: The Spy Plane That Outran Over 4,000 Missiles Speed can do many things for an aircraft. It can allow an airplane to get to its target quickly and complete its bombing run.