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The Mach 3 SR-71 Blackbird Was Built With Russian Titanium—And They Never Knew

Key Points and Summary - Despite the legendary success of the Mach 3 SR-71 Blackbird, the Soviet Union never developed a direct equivalent, for several key reasons. -Moscow prioritized its burgeoning ...
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Half a century later, the SR-71 Blackbird still reigns supreme

The SR-71 Blackbird, a marvel of engineering and innovation, remains unparalleled in speed even fifty years after its inception. Designed during the Cold War era, this iconic aircraft not only broke ...
The Aviationist

A Look at the Dozen SR-71 Blackbird Losses

The SR-71 is perhaps the most iconic Cold War spy aircraft, famous for many record-setting flights. Seemingly impervious to loss by enemy defenses, a dozen Blackbirds were lost to accidents. On July ...
The National Interest

Why Did the US Air Force Retire the SR-71 Blackbird?

The SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest aircraft ever built, was ultimately done in by the Air Force’s most notorious and intractable enemy: budget cuts. The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird remains one of the most ...
The National Interest

Fifty Years Later, the SR-71 Blackbird Is Still the Fastest Plane Ever Built

The Blackbird’s operational record was impeccable. Known as one of the most awe-inspiring achievements in the history of aviation, Lockheed Martin’s SR-71 Blackbird was the pinnacle of twentieth ...