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Boeing 707 vs SR-71 Blackbird

Boeing 707 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 707
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
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Specifications
Boeing 707 SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 15 July 1954 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1958 1966
Number produced 865 units 32 units
Average unit price $35 million $185 million
Wing area -- m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 44.5 m 17.0 m
Height 13.0 m 5.7 m
Length 46.4 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 1010 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 5,400 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 151,318 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 66,406 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,618 kgf 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Boeing 707 and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively.

The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 3.5:1 the Boeing 707's 1,010 km/h. The Boeing 707 has an operational range of 5,400 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 13,000 m for the Boeing 707.

The Boeing 707 has been produced in 865 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $35M for the Boeing 707 vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The Boeing 707 first flew 10 years before the SR-71 Blackbird (1954 vs 1964).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the Boeing 707's 1,010 km/h, a difference of 2,531 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 707 has a longer range at 5,400 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the Boeing 707's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 707 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 151,318 kg compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 78,018 kg.
Which is larger, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 707 is longer at 46.4 meters compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 32.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the Boeing 707 at $35 million.
Which entered service first, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 707 entered service first in 1958, 8 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Boeing 707 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 707 has been produced in greater numbers with 865 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.