King Air 90 vs SR-71 Blackbird
The King Air 90 and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft and Lockheed respectively. The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 7.2x the King Air 90's 494 km/h. The King Air 90 has an operational range of 2,446 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 78,018 kg MTOW, the SR-71 Blackbird is 15:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The King Air 90 has been produced in 3,100 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird.
| American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft |
| First flight | 1 January 1964 |
| Year introduced | 1964 |
| Number produced | 3100 units |
| Average unit price | $-- 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 | 26.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 13.8 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.9 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 494 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,446 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,574 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 5,352 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 3,217 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 626 kW ◉ |
| 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 King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 3,047 km/h.
Which has longer range, the King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 2 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the King Air 90 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.