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 ...

**CHAPTERS** 00:00 What happened when missiles were fired at the Blackbird 01:51 Why one third of Blackbirds were destroyed 02:51 What happened when the SR-71 lost control 05:15 The SR-71's most ...

From the years when it was operational to today, the SR-71 Blackbird has retained the title of the fastest aircraft ever made, but how fast is that really?

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 ...

Shul, flying the SR-71 Blackbird from RAF Mildenhall, England, with co-pilot Walt Watson, received an unexpected request for a fly-past over a small RAF base in England to inspire young cadets.

The S1030 evolved from its remote ancestor, the original David Clark XMC-2-DC suit first produced in 1956, via the Pilot’s Protective Assembly (PPA) model S901 worn by the first SR-71 crews.

Back in 1976 the American SR-71 Blackbird spy plane reached speeds of Mach 3.3, or 2,193.2 mph (3,529.6 kph). In doing so it set an absolute speed record for a crewed aircraft flying in the ...

Why the SR-71 Was Eventually Retired – It was Very Expensive to Fly: The SR-71 Blackbird was a long-range reconnaissance plane with remarkable performance characteristics: Mach 3 speed, and ...

Brian Shul, fighter pilot who soared after being shot down in Vietnam, dies at 75 Doctors told Mr. Shul he’d never fly again after nearly burning to death.

In January 1986, though, the plan to intercept the SR-71 would payoff thanks to Swedish pilot Per-Olof Eldh. This would be the first time an SR-71 was locked onto by an intercepting aircraft.