Summary SR-71 Blackbird set 2 world records on speed and altitude, reaching Mach 3. B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" dropped the first atomic bomb during WWII. X-15 Rocket Plane achieved highest speed by a manned aircraft and contributed to spaceflight programs.
The new-generation fighter and stealth aircraft are known to be fast, agile, and highly tactical. However, going back several decades, we learn that the aircraft of the 1950s to 1970s have paved the way for today's technological marvels. We explore five iconic aircraft that remain in history for their unparalleled achievements in military aviation.
1 SR-71 Blackbird Fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, reaching speeds over Mach 3 Two world records on July 28, 1976 Absolute speed record: 2,193 moh Absolute altitude record: 85,069 ft The SR-71 "Blackbird is a long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft designed and developed by Lockheed Martin in the early 1960s. The type performed its first flight in December 1964, and the first operational aircraft was delivered to the 4200th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base in January 1966. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J58s, each producing 32,500 lbf thrust, the SR-71 became one of the most enduring aircraft for diverse missions.
The National Museum of the US Air Force states that the SR-71 remained the world’s fastest and highest-flying aircraft throughout its nearly 24-year career. It had the capability to survey 100,000 square miles of Earth’s surface e.