SR-71 Blackbird Escaped Enemy Fire

On average, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird could fly only once per week because each mission required lengthy preparation. The United States Air Force used the Mach 3-plus reconnaissance aircraft at altitudes around 85,000 feet, where it could escape surface-to-air missiles by accelerating away. Lockheed built only 32 Blackbirds, and accidents destroyed 12 of them. Despite flying reconnaissance missions over areas including North Vietnam, Laos, and North Korea, enemy action never brought one down.

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