SR-71 Blackbird
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The SR-71 Blackbird is a strategic reconnaissance built by Lockheed in the USA. It first flew in 1964 and entered service in 1966. Outrun missiles: fly above 80,000 ft at more than Mach 3 and photograph anything.
Photo: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed3,540 km/h (2,200 mph)
- Range5,400 km (3,355 miles)
- First flight1964
- Wingspan16.9 m (56 ft)
SR-71 Blackbird specs
| Top speed | 3,540 km/h (2,200 mph) · Mach 3.33The official absolute speed record of 3,529.6 km/h (1976). Its true top speed was never published. |
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| Cruising speed | Mach 3.2 (about 3,398 km/h) |
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| Range | 5,400 km (3,355 miles) |
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| Service ceiling | More than 24,384 m (80,000 ft)Above 80,000 ft (Air Force figure). |
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| Length | 32.7 m (107 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 16.9 m (56 ft) |
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| Height | 5.6 m (19 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 78 t (171,959 lb) |
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| Empty weight | 31 t (67,461 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 2 crew |
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| Engines | 2 × J58 turbo-ramjet |
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| First flight | 1964 |
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| Entered service | 1966 |
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| Built by | Lockheed (USA) |
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SR-71 Blackbird facts
- It still holds the speed record for a crewed air-breathing jet, set in 1976.
- It leaked fuel on the ground because its panels only sealed once heated by speed.
Quick quiz
When did the SR-71 Blackbird first fly?
In 1964.
Who built the SR-71 Blackbird?
Lockheed, in the USA.
How fast can the SR-71 Blackbird fly?
Its top speed is 3,540 km/h (2,200 mph) · Mach 3.33.
How far can the SR-71 Blackbird fly?
About 5,400 km (3,355 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
SR-71 Blackbird vs similar aircraft
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