Blackbird: The SR-71 Is World s Fastest Plane (And Is Retired?)
During its twenty-four-year career, the SR-71 remained the world s fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft in the world. And while she might be retired, she lives on in the movies and on TV.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was never really much of a secret during its time in service with the United States Air Force. It had been first mentioned in a speech by then-President Lyndon Johnson in July 1964, then described as the RS-71. However, USAF Chief Of Staff General Curtis Lemay preferred the SR (Strategic Reconnaissance) designation, after which the aircraft became known.