With a top speed of Mach 3, a service ceiling of 85,000 feet, and an 11,820-foot-per-minute rate of climb, the SR-71 could fly so fast, and so high, that the supersonic jet was capable of simply ...

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.

One of aviation's most fascinating tales involves the SR-71 Blackbird. It comes from U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Shul, who piloted the aircraft renowned for its speed and altitude capabilities.

The SR-71’s fuel supply is indicative of the jet’s unique nature. Most jets in the U.S. military’s inventory were fine to function on JP-4, or later, JP-8—standardized fuels across the U.S ...