The SR71 Blackbird sole purpose was to fly into enemy territory solo and take photos. The military goal was to get the plane in the country before our enemy even knew it was on the way and intercept. If they shot a missile at it the plane was faster.
Originally Posted by Fizley
ya when i read about the SR-71 outrunning missiles, my jaw dropped to just about the floor.
thing leaked a custom fuel on the tarmac, but at 70,000 feet, there were no worries. strange bird, no doubt. i'm still amazed it hasn't been surpassed in speed by any of the young whipper snappers like the F-16 or the f-22 raptor. thing first flew in the 1960's-1964 to be exact-with all analog dials, and even today, it's still the boss when it comes to speed records..