SR-71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance aircraft in flight. This aircraft was designed and built at the Lockheed Company's legendary 'Skunk Works' an
SR-71 Blackbird strategic reconnaissance aircraft in flight. This aircraft was designed and built at the Lockheed Company's legendary 'Skunk Works' and was operational between 1964 and 1998. About 85% of the aircraft structure is made from titanium and titanium alloys; ironically the metal was obtained covertly from the USSR at the height of the Cold War. The SR-71 holds two world records for air-breathing manned aircraft: the fastest sustained speed ( km/h, Mach ) and the greatest sustained altitude at 25,929 metres (85,069 feet). A total of 32 SR-71 aircraft were built. Photographed on a mission out of its home base, Beale Air Force Base, California, USA.
Size: 2442px × 3605px
Photo credit: © US AIR FORCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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