PA-32 Cherokee Six vs SR-71 Blackbird

The PA-32 Cherokee Six and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Piper and Lockheed respectively. The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 16:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has an operational range of 1,361 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 78,018 kg MTOW, the SR-71 Blackbird is 80:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in 7,842 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 4 years before the SR-71 Blackbird (1960 vs 1964).

American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 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.
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Other profile drawing
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 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 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 PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 3,313 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 1 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or SR-71 Blackbird?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.