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Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

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Ø The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force.
Ø  It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division.
Ø The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu.

Ø 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.


The Mighty J58 - The SR-71's Turbo-Ramjet Engine







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
Unit cost    
$34 million
Developed from   
Lockheed A-12



General characteristics

Ø Crew: 2: Pilot and Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO)
Ø Payload: 3,500 lb (1,600 kg)
Ø Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)
Ø Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)
Ø Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
Ø Wing area: 1,800 ft2 (170 m2)
Ø Empty weight: 67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
Ø Loaded weight: 152,000 lb (69,000 kg)
Ø Max. takeoff weight: 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)
Ø Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
Ø Wheelbase: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
Ø Aspect ratio: 1.7
Ø Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-bleed afterburning turbojets, 34,000 lbf (151 kN) each


Performance

Ø Maximum speed: Mach 3.3 (2,200+ mph, 3,540+ km/h, 1,910+ knots) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)
Ø Range: 2,900 nmi (5,400 km)
Ø Ferry range: 3,200 nmi (5,925 km)
Ø Service ceiling: 85,000 ft (25,900 m)
Ø Rate of climb: 11820 ft/m (60 m/s)
Ø Wing loading: 84 lb/ft² (410 kg/m²)
Ø Thrust/weight: 0.44


For more details about the unbeatable fastest aircraft watch below video !


SR-71 Blackbird Stealth Plane -Full Documentary






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