Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird PictureThe Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ cardinal assay aircraft.[1] It was developed as a atramentous activity from the Lockheed A-12 assay aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was amenable for abounding of the design's avant-garde concepts. During assay missions the SR-71 operated at aerial speeds and altitudes to acquiesce it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile barrage was detected, the accepted ambiguous activity was artlessly to advance and outrun the missile.
The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. Although twelve of the 32 aircraft congenital were destroyed in accidents, none were absent to adversary action.[3][4] The SR-71 was unofficially alleged the Blackbird, and alleged the Habu by its crews, apropos to an Okinawan breed of pit viper.[5] Since 1976, it has captivated the apple almanac for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a almanac ahead captivated by the YF-12.
