Cold War · Strategic reconnaissance
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was a long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the A-12 and YF-12 family. Its purpose was to collect intelligence, making it a useful contrast with fighters and bombers whose principal roles involved combat.
The Blackbird's elongated shape, prominent engine nacelles, and twin vertical tails reveal an unusually specialized design. Rather than maximizing cabin space or cargo capacity, the aircraft was built around the demands of high-speed, high-altitude flight. Its Cold War service illustrates the importance of reconnaissance aircraft in providing information for decisions far beyond the cockpit.
What to look for
- A long fuselage with broad chines along its sides
- Two widely separated engine nacelles
- Twin inward-canted vertical tails