SR-71: the complete illustrated history of the Blackbird, the world's highest, fastest plane

SR-71 covers every aspect of the SR-71 spy plane's development, manufacture, and active service from the insider's perspective of one its pilots and is lavishly illustrated with more than 200 photos.

At the height of the Cold War in 1964, President Johnson announced a new aircraft dedicated to strategic reconnaissance. The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was in service with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998, when it was withdrawn from use. Throughout its thirty-four-year career, the SR-71 was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft, setting world records for altitude and speed. Twelve of the thirty-two aircraft were destroyed in accidents, but none were ever lost to enemy action.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane flew more than three-and-a-half times the speed of sound, so fast that no other aircraft could catch it. Above 80,000 feet, its pilots had to wear full-pressure flight suits similar to what was used aboard the space shuttle. Developed by the renowned Lockheed Skunk Works, the SR-71 was an awesome aircraft in every respect, and it took the world by storm. This book covers every aspect of the SR-71's development, manufacture, modification, and active service from the insider's perspective of one its pilots and is lavishly illustrated with more than 200 photos.