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Description

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range , Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force . It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected , the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The SR-71 was designed with a reduced radar cross-section .
The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents and none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, includingBlackbird and Habu . It has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976; this record was previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12 .

Role: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft
National origin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed , Skunk Works division
Designer: Clarence "Kelly" Johnson
First flight: 22 December 1964
Introduction: 1966
Retired: 1998 (USAF), 1999 (NASA)
Status: Retired
Primary users: United States Air Force ,NASA
Number built: 32
Developed from: Lockheed A-12

General characteristics
Crew: 2: Pilot and Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO)
Payload : 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of sensors
Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)
Wingspan : 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)
Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
Wing area: 1,800 ft2 (170 m2)
Empty weight : 67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
Loaded weight: 152,000 lb (69,000 kg)
Max. takeoff weight : 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)
Powerplant : 2 × Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-bleed afterburning turbojets , 34,000 lbf (151 kN) each
Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
Wheelbase: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
Aspect ratio : 1.7
Performance
Maximum speed : Mach 3.3 (2,200+ mph, 3,540+ km/h, 1,910+ knots) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)
Range : 2,900 nmi (5,400 km)
Ferry range : 3,200 nmi (5,925 km)
Service ceiling : 85,000 ft (25,900 m)
Rate of climb : 11820 ft/m (60 m/s)
Wing loading : 84 lb/ft² (410 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight : 0.44

Other Images of this aircraft:

Documentary on this aircraft:
Great Planes Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

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Description

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range , Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force . It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected , the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The SR-71 was designed with a reduced radar cross-section .
The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents and none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, includingBlackbird and Habu . It has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976; this record was previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12 .

Role: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft
National origin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed , Skunk Works division
Designer: Clarence "Kelly" Johnson
First flight: 22 December 1964
Introduction: 1966
Retired: 1998 (USAF), 1999 (NASA)
Status: Retired
Primary users: United States Air Force ,NASA
Number built: 32
Developed from: Lockheed A-12

General characteristics
Crew: 2: Pilot and Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO)
Payload : 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of sensors
Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)
Wingspan : 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)
Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
Wing area: 1,800 ft2 (170 m2)
Empty weight : 67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
Loaded weight: 152,000 lb (69,000 kg)
Max. takeoff weight : 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)
Powerplant : 2 × Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-bleed afterburning turbojets , 34,000 lbf (151 kN) each
Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
Wheelbase: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
Aspect ratio : 1.7
Performance
Maximum speed : Mach 3.3 (2,200+ mph, 3,540+ km/h, 1,910+ knots) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)
Range : 2,900 nmi (5,400 km)
Ferry range : 3,200 nmi (5,925 km)
Service ceiling : 85,000 ft (25,900 m)
Rate of climb : 11820 ft/m (60 m/s)
Wing loading : 84 lb/ft² (410 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight : 0.44

Other Images of this aircraft:

Documentary on this aircraft:
Great Planes Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Be sure to follow me on Tsu and Dailymotion !