Why was the SR-71 Blackbird retired 😳 #sr71 #sr71blackbird | Mr.Skkiso

102K views · 4.8K reactions | The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was developed in the 1960s to conduct high-altitude, deep-penetration reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. Instead of weapons or stealth, it relied on extreme speed and altitude for survival. #aviation #aircraft #jet | Jets 'n' Props | Facebook

173K views · 2.7K reactions | Meet the Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest operational aircraft ever. #engineering | Interesting Engineering | Facebook

Why not follow the Hustler with another record-breaking air cutter? Here's a walk around the SR-71, the fastest manned air-breathing plane (about 2,200 mph) also holds the record for sustained altitude in horizontal flight (about 85,000 feet), both records set in 1976. This one is the second built and the oldest in existence. It was also the only aircraft in the Blackbird family to be designated YF-12C. Why? NASA was testing the effects of flight at speeds and altitudes only the Blackbird could