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SR-71A Blackbird
Photo: USAF / Judson Brohmer · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
REC // INTEL FEED

SR-71ABlackbird

Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · United States · 1964
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SR-71ABlackbird

SR-71A Blackbird
SR-71A Blackbird Photo: USAF / Judson Brohmer · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Capability
95
Endurance
85
Operating Altitude
100
Range
90
Stealth / Survivability
70
Data-Link
60
Coverage
95
Persistence
80
Technology
98
Cost-Effectiveness
50
Origin United States
CategoryIntelligence / Recon Aircraft
EraCold War
In service1964–1998
Operators1 countries
Quantity32
Data Quality85%
86
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft MASS Rating
4/38
Cold War
5/419
All-Time
Intelligence / Recon Aircraft · 10 axes scored
Sensor Capability
95
Endurance
85
Operating Altitude
100
Range
90
Stealth / Survivability
70
Data-Link
60
Coverage
95
Persistence
80
Technology
98
Cost-Effectiveness
50
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the intelligence / recon aircraft category.
01 / Overview
SR-71A Blackbird
Production
1964–1998
Quantity
32
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
INTELLIGENCE / RECON AIRCRAFT · COLD WAR
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
78
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
86
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 Year1966
  • Flight Crew2
  • Mission Crew2
  • In ServiceNo
◈Powerplant2MOD.2
  • Engine TypePratt & Whitney J58 turbojet
  • Number of Engines2
▣Performance5MOD.5
  • Cruise Speed3,330 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 Built32
  • Operators1
▲Service History4MOD.4
  • Retirement Year1998
  • Production Start1964
  • Production End1998
  • Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1945First deployment: Cold War
  2. 1964Production started
  3. 1998Production ended
62
years in service
34
years in production
32
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
SR-71A BLACKBIRD · CONFLICTS SERVED IN100% win
Total Conflicts
1
Victories
1
Ongoing
0
Losses
0
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
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 →