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Boeing 747 vs SR-71 Blackbird

Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
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Specifications
Boeing 747 SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 9 February 1969 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1970 1966
Number produced 1574 units 32 units
Average unit price $285 million $185 million
Wing area 511.0 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 59.6 m 17.0 m
Height 19.3 m 5.7 m
Length 70.6 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 1014 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 12,150 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 13,746 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 173,726 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Boeing 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 — 3.5:1 the Boeing 747's 1,014 km/h. The Boeing 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 Boeing 747. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the Boeing 747 is 4.8:1 the SR-71 Blackbird's 78,018 kg.

The Boeing 747 has been produced in 1,574 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $285M for the Boeing 747 vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 5 years before the Boeing 747 (1964 vs 1969).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the Boeing 747's 1,014 km/h, a difference of 2,527 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the Boeing 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 32.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the SR-71 Blackbird at $185 million.
Which entered service first, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 4 years before the Boeing 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Boeing 747 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.