GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

RQ-170 Sentinel vs SR-71 Blackbird

Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel military drones side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RQ-170 SentinelFull specs
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 BlackbirdFull specs
Specifications
RQ-170 Sentinel SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Drones Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Lockheed
First flight 1 January 2005 22 December 1964
Year introduced 2007 1966
Number produced N/A 32 units
Average unit price $6 million $185 million
Wing area -- m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 20.0 m 17.0 m
Height -- m 5.7 m
Length 4.8 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed -- km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range -- km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight -- kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust -- 2 x 15,422 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Military Drones US Aircraft Designations
SR-71 Blackbird vs U-2 Dragon Lady RQ-170 Sentinel vs Shahed 136 RQ-170 Sentinel vs RQ-11 Raven RQ-170 Sentinel vs ZALA Lancet RQ-170 Sentinel vs FP-1 RQ-170 Sentinel vs Switchblade 300

Frequently Asked Questions

Which can fly higher, the RQ-170 Sentinel or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is larger, the RQ-170 Sentinel or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel's 4.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the RQ-170 Sentinel or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the RQ-170 Sentinel at $6.0 million.
Which entered service first, the RQ-170 Sentinel or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 41 years before the RQ-170 Sentinel which entered service in 2007.