How did the SR-71 take pictures?
The SR-71 Blackbird was equipped with specialized cameras. It would overfly the area of interest and take high-resolution pictures of the ground. Of particular interest is the Technical Objective Camera (TEOC). It could shoot pictures with a 6” resolution from the operational altitude of the SR-71.
How many SR-71 Blackbirds are left in the world?
This is the version that would go on to perform intelligence missions for the US Air Force for over 30 years, and a total of 32 were built, bringing the final tally for the Blackbird family to 50.
How much would a SR-71 Blackbird cost today?
$34 million
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
| SR-71 “Blackbird” | |
|---|---|
| Primary users | United States Air Force NASA |
| Number built | 32 |
| Unit cost | $34 million |
| Developed from | Lockheed A-12 |
Are there any SR-71 Blackbird still flying?
Since its retirement, the SR-71’s role has been taken up by a combination of reconnaissance satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); a proposed UAV successor, the SR-72, is under development by Lockheed Martin, and scheduled to fly in 2025. The SR-71 has several nicknames, including “Blackbird” and “Habu”.
How good was the SR-71 camera?
The cameras on the Blackbird could take a photograph clear enough to read the license plate on a car on the ground while the plane traveled 80,000 feet above the Earth and at speeds of over 2,000 mph.
How good was the camera on the SR 71 Blackbird?
Film image 72 miles wide, & film length 10,500ft. Initially a 24 Inch focal length lens; later extended to 30 inch focal length . Both cameras (OBC and TEOC) provided superb detailed high resolution photographic images horizon to horizon.
What is the fastest fighter jet in service?
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat
The fastest fighter jet is the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat, capable of Mach 3.2 or 2,190mph. While not as fast as some retired or experimental aircraft, the MiG-25 is the only aircraft in service capable of speeds over Mach 3.0 making it the fastest fighter jet in service today by quite some margin.