4. Reconnaissance aircraft: SR-71 Blackbird
Joined the Service in 1966
Producing company:Lockheed
Price: $34 million
2The SR-71 Blackbird, which soars above the competitors, is a legendary aircraft in aviation history. This reconnaissance aircraft, which was built by Lockheed’s storied Skunk Works division and went into service in 1966, had a top speed of Mach 3.
Reconnaissance aircraft SR-71 Blackbird ©USAF / Judson Brohmer/Wikimedia Commons
The aircraft’s distinctive shape and specially designed materials let it to manage the severe heat from its high speeds, enabling it to operate at heights of approximately 85,000 feet. Its sleek and black look wasn’t just for show. Due to its unmatched speed and altitude capabilities, it was almost impervious to hostile intercepts. The Blackbird, which avoided enemy attempts to ground it, captured high-resolution imagery and gave the United States vital intelligence for decades.
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