The Incredible Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird: Inside and Out

🚀The SR-71 Blackbird was a reconnaissance aircraft used by the USAF from 1966. It had no bombs or onboard guns and relied on altitude and speed as its main defense.

🔥The SR-71 could sustain speeds up to Mach 3.2 and fly at altitudes of up to 85,000 feet. Its sharp, thin wing design allowed for smooth supersonic airflow and minimized turbulence.

🛢️Two-thirds of the SR-71's fuselage were occupied by cylindrical fuel tanks, providing a total fuel capacity of over 12,000 gallons. The special JP-7 fuel used was designed for supersonic flight and carried unique ignition properties.

🔑The SR-71's engines featured adjustable inlet spikes that controlled supersonic airflow and maintained proper shock wave alignment. Inlet unstarts, caused by shock wave misalignment, were hazardous and caused immediate loss of thrust.

🕹️The SR-71's flight control surfaces included dual rudders and elevons. The elevons functioned as both ailerons and elevators, providing roll and pitch control. The mixer, with its interconnected cables, blended roll and pitch inputs for maneuvering.

What was the top speed of the SR-71 Blackbird?

—The SR-71 Blackbird had a top speed of Mach 3.2, which is approximately 2,200+ miles per hour or 3,540.6 km/h.

How high could the SR-71 fly?

—The SR-71 could reach altitudes of up to 85,000 feet (25,908 m).

Did the SR-71 Blackbird ever get shot down?

—No, no SR-71 Blackbird was ever shot down. Its speed and altitude capabilities made it virtually invulnerable to enemy action.

What fuel did the SR-71 Blackbird use?

—The SR-71 Blackbird used a special fuel called JP-7, which was designed specifically for supersonic flight and had unique ignition properties.

How did the SR-71 achieve supersonic flight?

—The SR-71 achieved supersonic flight through its unique design, including a sharp, thin wing that allowed for smooth supersonic airflow and inlet spikes that controlled and aligned supersonic airflow.

00:01The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was a legendary reconnaissance aircraft used by the USAF from 1966.

02:22The SR-71 could sustain speeds up to Mach 3.2 and fly at altitudes of up to 85,000 feet.

09:40Two-thirds of the SR-71's fuselage were occupied by cylindrical fuel tanks, providing a total fuel capacity of over 12,000 gallons.

14:57The SR-71's engines had adjustable inlet spikes that controlled supersonic airflow and maintained proper shock wave alignment.

27:35The SR-71's flight control surfaces included dual rudders and elevons, which functioned as both ailerons and elevators.