National Security Journal on MSN

SR-71 Blackbird Mach 3 ‘Fighter-Bomber’: Could This Have Been Built?

The SR-71 Blackbird’s Mach 3 speed, altitude, and modest radar-reduction tempted some to imagine a fighter-bomber ...
National Security Journal on MSN

SR-71 Blackbird: The Mach 3 Spy Plane That Shook the U.S. Military To Its Core

Key Points and Summary – The SR-71 Blackbird delivered unmatched Mach-3 recon, but its costs proved fatal. -Each flight hour ran $200,000–$300,000, driven by extreme maintenance, heat-damaged coatings ...