Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Photo supplied by K2NE WEB STORE

The SR-71 was an advanced long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft capable of speeds in the excess of Mach 3+. The aircraft was designed by Kelly Johnson and built by the Lockheed Corporation at its Skunk Works division. The first SR-71 flight took place on 23rd December 1964 and the first aircraft entered service during January 1966. A total of thirty two aircraft were built all of which flew with a crew of two. The Blackbird was a leader in its field, both in speed and height and set many records during its service.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Images supplied by K2NE WEB STORE

If you want to see the SR-71 in a museum there are aircraft spread over the USA and one example in the American Air Museum at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England. On some air show days Colonel Richard Graham (a former SR-71 pilot) can be found beside Duxford's SR-71 signing copies of his SR-71 Blackbird books.

Lockheed SR-71A-LO Blackbird 61-17962 at Duxford American Air Museum. Photo by Ross Cannon