Our numbers
Derived metrics
Computed by aircraft.fyi from the core specification — see how we calculate these.
Range per tonne#26 of 65
70.0 km/t maximum range ÷ MTOW in tonnes
Span-to-length ratio#66 of 68
0.52 wingspan ÷ fuselage length
Weight per metre#37 of 68
2.36 t/m MTOW ÷ fuselage length
Range in hours#58 of 65
1.5 h maximum range ÷ cruise speed
Sense of scale
How big is it, really?
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird's wingspan, against things you already know the size of.
Specification
The numbers
| Length | 32.74 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 16.94 m |
| Height | 5.64 m |
| MTOW | 77,111 kg |
| Max speed | 3,529 km/h |
| Range | 5,400 km |
| Crew | 2 |
| First flight | 1964 |
| Built | 32 |
Compare it
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Last verified: 2026-07-20 · Spot an error? business@luck.fyi
The story
What makes it different
Mach 3.2 cruise at 26,000 m. Titanium airframe that leaked fuel on the ground because the panels only sealed once heat expansion closed them in flight.
Against a 16.94 m wingspan the Blackbird carries 77,111 kg at maximum takeoff weight and reaches 3,529 km/h. First flight was 1964, and 32 were built.
A note on the numbers: Speed shown is the 1976 absolute record of 3,529 km/h; operational Mach 3.2 cruise was faster still.
Common questions
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird — the short answers
How fast is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird?
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird cruises at about 3,529 km/h — roughly 1906 knots, or 2,193 mph.
How far can the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird fly?
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird has a maximum range of about 5,400 km (2,916 nautical miles, 3,356 miles). At its cruise speed that is roughly 1.5 hours in the air.
Is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird still in production?
Status: Retired (1998). The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird first flew in 1964, and about 32 have been built.
How big is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird?
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is 32.74 m long with a wingspan of 16.94 m and a height of 5.64 m. Its maximum takeoff weight is 77,111 kg.
Variants
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird line
Compare
Put it next to something
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird vs Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II →
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird vs Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker →
Sources
Primary sources
Further reading