Keith Ferris Originals

One of the greatest reconnaissance vehicles ever developed, the SR-71 could survey 100,000 square miles in one hour at three times the speed of sound above 80,000 feet.

 

It served from 1965 until 1990 without loss of a single crew.  On 1 September 1974, the SR-71 flew from New York to London in one hour and 55 minutes.  This record-breaking flight covered 3,490 miles and averaged 1,817 mph.  A later flight went from San Diego, California to Savannah, Georgia in 59 minutes.

 

Published:  Aviation Week & Space Technology Calendar 1975

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