Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird

The Lockheed SR‑71C Blackbird, produced by the Lockheed Corporation, was the ultimate evolution of the United States’ high‑altitude, high‑speed reconnaissance program that began with the A‑12 OXCART in the early 1960s. First flown in 1964, the SR‑71C entered operational service in 1966 and remained in active duty until 1998, setting an enduring legacy of strategic intelligence gathering during the Cold War and beyond. Built from titanium alloys and coated with a special radar‑absorbing paint, the aircraft could cruise at Mach 3.3 (about 2,200 mph) and operate at altitudes above 85,000 feet, allowing it to outrun surface‑to‑air missiles and evade hostile air defenses. Its Pratt & Whitney J58 engines featured afterburner‑driven inlet spikes that self‑adjusted to maintain optimal airflow at extreme speeds. Advanced features included a sophisticated terrain‑following radar, a suite of optical and electronic sensors, and a digital flight-control system that reduced pilot workload. The SR‑71C’s record‑breaking performance reshaped aeronautical engineering, advancing materials science, propulsion, and avionics. Its iconic silhouette and unparalleled speed cemented the Blackbird as a symbol of technological audacity, influencing modern stealth and hypersonic aircraft concepts.

Lockheed Corporation

Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird

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Design & Classification