Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The legendary SR-71 Blackbird was in an untouchable league of its own. Flying at more than three times the speed of sound and over 15 miles high, nothing else came close. But as important as its dominant performance was the way it looked. An intimidating, seductive, satin-black cocktail of sharp angles and predatory curves showcasing a pair of massive jet engines armed with sharp spikes, it was as if Lockheed had been asked to design a jet for Batman. We’ll never see its like again.
First flight: December 22, 1964
Principal operator: US Air Force
Last operational flight: 1998
