These fascinating pictures show how engineers in 1960s California secretly developed the SR-71 Blackbird for the US Air Force – a plane which still holds the record for being the fastest ever aircraft.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a long-range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft and these once classified photos reveal how Lockheed built three types of Blackbird - A, B and C in top secret conditions in Burbank, California.

The aircraft were built by American aerospace company Lockheed under a 'black project' - a highly classified military defence project unacknowledged by the government until its declassification.
Since July 28 1976 the SR-71 Blackbird has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft with a record speed of 2,193.2mph.













Almost every aspect of its design required new approaches or breakthroughs in technology.

To withstand high temperatures generated by friction in the upper atmosphere during sustained Mach 3 flight, the Blackbird required an array of specially developed materials including high temperature fuel, sealants, lubricants, wiring and other components.

Around 93% of the Blackbird's airframe consisted of titanium alloy that allowed the aircraft to operate in a regime where temperatures range from 450 degrees to 950 degrees.

On July 24 1964, US President Lyndon B. Johnson publicly announced the existence of the classified Lockheed SR-71 program.
The first flight was held on December 22 and operational aircraft deliveries began in 1966.

The plane flew around the entire United States of America in 64 minutes!!!

This was built in 1960s - only 61 years after the Wright brothers flew the first manned aircraft! And yet, till this day, holds the record as the world's fastest aircraft and it could reach an height of more than 70,000 feet. Simply amazing.

The engineers that worked on her were way ahead of their time.

I have seen this tins move they are. Extraordinary

When will my dear country start building stuff like this

oloyolo:
I have seen this tins move they are. Extraordinary

When will my dear country start building stuff like this

when we start living in the moon!

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oloyolo:
I have seen this tins move they are. Extraordinary

When will my dear country start building stuff like this

Untill we start to think and act like them.

Nope! That would be falcon htv-2 sir!


LoL @ someone mentioning Nigeria ............ I cackled!

^^

Well, i meant a manned aircraft.