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The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a renowned aircraft of the United States Air Force during the Cold War, symbolizes engineering excellence. Designed as a spy plane, it could evade missile threats and gather intelligence from high altitudes. Only 32 units were built, with service beginning in 1966 and concluding in 1998. NASA operated the aircraft until 1999.
Developed secretly by Lockheed's Skunk Works from its predecessor, the Lockheed A-12, the SR-71 utilized Soviet Union-sourced titanium to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 3. Pilots wore pressure suits like the S901J Full Pressure Suit from 1962 and later models for protection at altitudes around 80,000 feet.
The cockpit accommodated two crew members: a pilot and a reconnaissance systems officer. Controls were oversized for operation with gloved hands due to pressure suits. Ejection seats allowed for safe exits at high altitudes.
