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King Air 90 vs SR-71 Blackbird

Beechcraft King Air 90 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 King Air 90
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
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Specifications
King Air 90 SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1964 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1964 1966
Number produced 3100 units 32 units
Average unit price -- $185 million
Wing area 26.0 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 13.8 m 17.0 m
Height 4.7 m 5.7 m
Length 11.9 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 494 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 2,446 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 7,574 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 3,217 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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 — 7.2:1 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.

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.