Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird - Beale AFB, Marysville, CA - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works, Palmdale, CA. During reconnaissance missions the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outrun the missile.

The SR-71 served with the US Air Force from 1964 to 1998. Of the 32 aircraft built, 12 were destroyed in accidents, and none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu, the latter in reference to an Okinawan species of pit viper. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12.

Assembly of SR-71A s/n 61-7963 started on 16 March 1965; first flew on 9 June 1966; last flight was on 28 October 1976. This aircraft was cannibalized for parts to serve the rest of the SR-71 fleet after accumulating 1604.4 flight hours. Although it was not an M-21, she is displayed alongside a D-21B drone at Beale AFB, CA.

Specifications:
Crew: 2
Power Plant: 2× 34,000 lbf Pratt & Whitney J58-P-1 continuous-bleed afterburning turbojets
Dimensions:
- Span: 55' 7"
- Length: 107' 5"
- Height: 18' 6"
Weight:
- Empty: 67,500 lb
- Maximum: 172,000 lb
Performance:
- Speed:
- - Max: 2,200 mph @ 80,000 ft
- - Cruise: 2,133 mph
- Range: 3,355 miles
- Ceiling: 85,000 ft
- Climb: 11,810 fpm

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Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Tail Number: (S/N): s/n 61-7963 Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Located at the intersection of Warren Shingle Rd & A St, Beale AFB, Marysville, CA inside / outside: outside Access restrictions: Located on Beale AFB, Marysville, CA Other Information:: Not listed

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