LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird
Photo: Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation · Wikimedia Commons · CC0
REC // INTEL FEED

LockheedSR-71CBlackbird

Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · United States · 1964
ADD TO COMPARE

LockheedSR-71CBlackbird

Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird
Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird Photo: Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation · Wikimedia Commons · CC0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Capability
60
Endurance
40
Operating Altitude
85
Range
70
Stealth / Survivability
80
Data-Link
30
Coverage
70
Persistence
30
Technology
90
Cost-Effectiveness
20
Origin United States
CategoryIntelligence / Recon Aircraft
EraCold War
In service1964–1967
Operators1 countries
Quantity1
Data Quality83%
59
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft MASS Rating
19/38
Cold War
51/419
All-Time
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · 10 axes scored
Sensor Capability
60
Endurance
40
Operating Altitude
85
Range
70
Stealth / Survivability
80
Data-Link
30
Coverage
70
Persistence
30
Technology
90
Cost-Effectiveness
20
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the intelligence / recon aircraft category.
01 / Overview
Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird
Production
1964–1967
Quantity
1
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
INTELLIGENCE / RECON AIRCRAFT · COLD WAR
19
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
78
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
59
intelligence / recon aircraft category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the intelligence / recon aircraft category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • Base AirframeLockheed A-12
  • Mission TypeStrategic reconnaissance
  • Service Entry Year1964
  • Flight Crew2
  • Mission Crew2
  • In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant2MOD.2
  • Engine TypePratt & Whitney J58
  • Number of Engines2
▣Performance5MOD.5
  • Cruise Speed3,540 km/h
  • Service Ceiling25,900 m
  • Range5,400 km
  • Endurance1.5
  • On-Station Time1
◇Mission Systems9MOD.9
◆Armament (ASW/Strike)3MOD.3
▤Dimensions3MOD.3
  • Length32.74 m
  • Wingspan16.94 m
  • Max Takeoff Weight78,000 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
  • Total Built1
  • Operators1
▲Service History4MOD.4
  • Retirement Year1998
  • Production Start1964
  • Production End1967
  • Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1964Production started
  2. 1967Production ended
62
years in service
3
years in production
1
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
Lockheed SR-71C Blackbird 1964
// SIBLING VARIANTS
05 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
Enables real-time sharing of position, targeting, and sensor data among aircraft and platforms for coordinated combat operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Intelligence / Recon Aircraft entry →