Lockheed ER-2

The Lockheed ER‑2 is a high‑altitude research aircraft developed from the SR‑71 Blackbird program and built by Lockheed Corporation in the early 1970s. First flying in 1975, the ER‑2 shares the Blackbird’s distinctive twin‑engine, sleek fuselage and chines, but is powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets instead of the SR‑71’s Pratt & Whitney J58 afterburning engines. This configuration enables sustained flight at altitudes up to 70,000 feet and speeds around Mach 0.8, providing a stable platform for atmospheric, astronomical and remote‑sensing missions. The aircraft’s large, unobstructed nose radome houses sophisticated scientific instruments, while its spacious pressure‑cabin accommodates crews of up to five researchers and auxiliary equipment. Over the decades, NASA, NOAA and the United States Air Force have used the ER‑2 for climate studies, ozone monitoring, upper‑atmosphere chemistry, Earth‑observing lidar experiments, and high‑resolution imaging of terrain and celestial bodies. Its ability to operate above most weather and commercial traffic has made it a unique testbed for emerging remote‑sensing technologies. The ER‑2’s legacy lies in bridging the gap between military supersonic research and civilian scientific exploration, influencing modern high‑altitude platforms and contributing vital data to atmospheric science.

Lockheed Corporation

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