No reconnaissance aircraft in history has operated globally in more hostile airspace or with such complete impunity than the SR-71, the world's fastest jet-propelled aircraft. The Blackbird's performance and operational achievements placed it at the pinnacle of aviation technology developments during the Cold War. This Blackbird accrued about 2,800 hours of flight time during 24 years of active service with the U.S. Air Force.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA

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