It was a mystery. The SR-71 Blackbird was built of titanium and other space-age alloys to handle the excessive heat caused by high-altitude and high-speed flight. But for some reason, some of the ...

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. -Despite being ...

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 ...

The SR-71 wasn’t just a sprinter. Remarkably, the “Blackbird” could sustain Mach 3 flight continuously, for more than one hour at a time. Maintaining speeds of 2,000 miles per hour, for an ...

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.

During a fly-over request in England, the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was able to hit speeds as low as 160 knots (equivalent to 184 mph) while staying in the air.

Summary No reconnaissance aircraft in history has operated globally in more hostile airspace or with such complete impunity than the Lockheed SR-71 (Blackbird). This miniature American flag was on ...

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 ...