The SR-71 Blackbird might be the most remarkable airplane ever built. The Smithsonian Magazine has a short profile of the plane:
Created as the ultimate spy plane, the SR-71, which first took to the air in December 1964, flew reconnaissance missions until 1990, capable of hurtling along at more than Mach 3, about 2,280 miles per hour—faster than a rifle bullet—at 85,000 feet, or 16 miles above the earth. It is the fastest jet-powered airplane ever built. At top speeds, the surface heat of the airframe could reach 900 degrees Fahrenheit. In their pressurized suits and breathing pure oxygen—mandated by the extreme altitude—the two-man crew looked like astronauts.Pretty cool.
This was a great article! When I read it, it led me on to this one, which was also fascinating (good NM tie-in)... http://www.alexisparkinn.com/sr-71_break-up.htm. Hope you enjoy.
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