The Blackbird still holds many aviation records. In 1990 it flew a coast to coast flight, from Los Angeles to Washington, in 67 minutes.
The Blackbird still holds many aviation records. In 1990 it flew a coast to coast flight, from Los Angeles to Washington, in 67 minutes.
NASA
The SR-71 was made of titanium, which had to be indirectly sourced from the USSR.
The SR-71 was made of titanium, which had to be indirectly sourced from the USSR.
NASA/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In this 1997 photo taken at NASA's Dryden base, an SR-71 is in the company of X-31, F-15, SR-71, F-106, F-16XL Ship #2, X-38, Radio Controlled Mothership, and X-36.
In this 1997 photo taken at NASA's Dryden base, an SR-71 is in the company of X-31, F-15, SR-71, F-106, F-16XL Ship #2, X-38, Radio Controlled Mothership, and X-36.
NASA
Test equipment is mounted on the back of an SR-71.
Test equipment is mounted on the back of an SR-71.
NASA
The SR-71 required a landing chute.
The SR-71 required a landing chute.
NASA
In Japan, the SR-71 was nicknamed "Habu," after a local poisonous viper.
In Japan, the SR-71 was nicknamed "Habu," after a local poisonous viper.
NASA
The Blackbirds could survey up to 100,000 square miles of enemy territory in just one hour.
The Blackbirds could survey up to 100,000 square miles of enemy territory in just one hour.
NASA/Hulton Archive/Getty Images