The SR-71 Blackbird, a legendary military aircraft recognized as the fastest operational plane ever, achieved its record-setting flight on September 1, 1974, half a century ago, making it virtually impossible to intercept.
Designed to be a stealthy and superfast reconnaissance plane, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird set several speed records during its nearly 25 years in service. But history was made in September 1974 when two men accomplished the fastest-ever trip from New York to London on the SR-71 Blackbird in less than two hours at three times the speed of sound.
The incredible journey established a record that is still in place half a century later. The two-man crew of the US Air Force Lockheed Blackbird SR-71 jet, including pilot James Sullivan and reconnaissance systems operator Noel Widdifield, completed the flight. The entire flight between the two cities took one hour, 54 minutes, and 56 seconds, with the aircraft arriving triumphantly at the Hampshire Air Show in Farnborough, London, to a rousing reception.
The Blackbird began its effort to set a record, reaching speeds of Mach 3.2, or three times the speed of sound and roughly 2,455 mph. Across the 3,461 statute mile course, the mean velocity reached 1,807 statute miles per hour, which included a single stop for refueling from a specially modified KC-135 tanker.
According to Widdifield, flying the Blackbird was akin to being an astronaut. The crew had to wear space suits and flew at 80,000 feet. The maximum authorized height for most commercial aircraft is 42,000 feet. “It’s just black sky up there. You see the stars, and either the moon or the sun, depending on what time of day it is,” Widdifield was quoted saying by The Guardian.
here was a close call when a Saab JA-37 Viggen of the Swedish Air Force managed to score a missile lock and visual contact on this legendary aircraft.
As the Cold War came to an end, the SR-71 was phased out in favor of less expensive reconnaissance options like satellites. Still, many are still captivated by the Blackbird’s remarkable performance and distinctive appearance. The SR-71 gave onlookers an amazing show during its final flight in 1999 from Edwards Air Force Base when it executed a spectacular supersonic fuel dump.
While the aircraft has long been decommissioned, SR-71s are still revered by aviation enthusiasts who remember the airframe’s unique speed and distinctive looks. The world record set by the aircraft is still part of several aviation conversations.
