New Delhi: The SR-71 was developed as a long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft capable of flying at speeds over Mach 3.2 and at 85,000 feet.
Unofficially, the SR-71 carried many nicknames, including the “Habu,” “SR,” “Lady in Black,” and “Sled;” but most of us know the SR-71 as the “Blackbird.
The Blackbird's performance and operational achievements placed it at the pinnacle of aviation technology developments during the Cold War.
No reconnaissance aircraft in history has operated globally in more hostile airspace or with such complete impunity than the SR-71.
It is a long-range, supersonic reconnaissance aircraft. It has serviced the United States for more than 35 years. It entered into services in 1966 and due to politics, it was retired in 1990.
This early retirement decision was realized to have been a large mistake and in September of 1994, Congress voted to allocate 100 million dollars for the reactivation of three SR-71s.
Thus it was brought back to service in 1995. NASA's DFRC at Edwards AFB, CA flew the SR-71 from 1991 until its final flight in October 1999.
It was provided with two-engine, two-seat. Its airframe constructed largley of titanium and its alloys; vertical tail fins are constructed of a composite (laminated plastic-type material) to reduce radar cross-section; Pratt and Whitney J58 (JT11D-20B) turbojet engines feature large inlet shock cones.
It was designed by Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson and manufactured by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.
