Description

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was a version of the Lockheed A-12 Oxcart spy plane built in at least 32 examples for the US Air Force, which used it mainly from 1968 to 1990.

​

Also nicknamed "Habu" (from Habu, the name of a venomous black snake found on certain Japanese islands, notably Okinawa, where a detachment of aircraft was based), the SR-71 retained the A-12's unique silhouette and extraordinary performance, but differed in that it was equipped with special reconnaissance sensors and a second crew member to operate them.