SR-71 BLACKBIRD

Faster than a speeding bullet!

- TED CARLSON

A derivative of the A-12 and YF-12A, which was designed in the late ’50s, the amazing Blackbird remains the fastest ever jet-powered aircraft in the world today. These “speed demons” last belonged to the Air Combat Command’s 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, with the last two examples having been based at Edwards AFB, California (Detachment 2, 9th Operations Group). Often referred to as “Det. 2,” they also operated T-38A Talons that were used as companion trainers to keep the pilots and Reconnaissance Systems Officers (RSOs) current. Both the T-38As and the SR-71As had the 9th RW markings and sported the “BB” (Beale’s Best) tail code.

The Habu