Thanks Pylon, that was a great video.
The SR-71 was a phenomenal aircraft. One that was probably 30 years ahead of its time. The ability to fly at Mach 3.2, in full afterburner for the entire flight. The skin of the aircraft would get red hot. The skin would expand so much in the air that while on ground during refuelling the aircraft would spew out fuel as the seals were too loose. The SR-71 had to takeoff get up to temp to seal up and then mid air refuel before heading out to the mission.
The closest operational aircraft in ability was the MiG 25 Foxbat, but that was a much cruder and less capable aircraft, if the afterburners on the MiG were used for any moderate length of time they would destroy the engine.
In terms of intelligence accomplishments (flights over the USSR, Cuba etc) the U-2 (another Skunkworks marvel) is a more decorated aircraft but in terms of performance the SR-71 is unmatched.
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