The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. | War History Online

Donation: In recognition of its contribution to the end of the Cold War, the U.S. government donated one SR-71 (serial number 962) to the United Kingdom for public display at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. Museum Display: The aircraft is now on public display at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. | Born into the Wild Blue Yonder Habubrats

Lockheed SR-71A Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world's fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet, it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth's surface per hour. On July 28, 1976, an SR-71 set two world records for its class -- an absolute speed record of 2,193.167 mph and an absolute altitude record of 85,068.997 feet. #avgeek #history #sr71blackbird | National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Developed for the USAF as reconnaissance aircraft more than 30 years ago, SR-71s are still the world's fastest and highest-flying piloted aircraft. The aircraft flew at more than 3500 kmph (Mach 3 or more than three times the speed of sound) and at altitudes over 85,000 feet. As research platforms, the aircraft could cruise at Mach 3 for more than one hour. | The Hindu