747 vs SR-71 Blackbird
The 747 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 — 3.5x the 747's 1,014 km/h. The 747 has an operational range of 12,150 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 13,746 m for the 747. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the 747 is 4.8x the SR-71 Blackbird's 78,018 kg. The 747 has been produced in 1,574 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $285M for the 747 vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 5 years before the 747 (1964 vs 1969).
| American wide-body commercial jet airliner, conceived in the 1960s and renowned for transcontinental and transatlantic flights. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 9 February 1969 |
| Year introduced | 1970 |
| Number produced | 1574 units |
| Average unit price | $285 million |
| American strategic reconnaissance aircraft, operational from 1966-1998, unmatched speed and altitude records, infamous for Cold War and NASA missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 22 December 1964 |
| Year introduced | 1966 |
| Number produced | 32 units |
| Average unit price | $185 million |
| Wing area | 511.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 59.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 19.3 m ◉ |
| Length | 70.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1014 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 12,150 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 13,746 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 377,842 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 173,726 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 25,719 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 167.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 17.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 32.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 3541 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,230 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 25,908 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,018 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 30,617 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 11,340 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the 747's 1,014 km/h, a difference of 2,527 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 78,018 kg.
Which is larger, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 32.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the SR-71 Blackbird at $185 million.
Which entered service first, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 4 years before the 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.