S-2 Tracker vs SR-71 Blackbird

Overview

The S-2 Tracker and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h β€” 7.9x the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h. The S-2 Tracker has an operational range of 2,172 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 78,018 kg MTOW, the SR-71 Blackbird is 6.6x the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.

The S-2 Tracker has been produced in 1,284 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. The S-2 Tracker first flew 12 years before the SR-71 Blackbird (1952 vs 1964).

American carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
Grumman S-2 Tracker Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 4 November 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1284 units
Average unit price --
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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 45.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 22.2 m β—‰
Height 5.4 m β—‰
Length 13.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 450 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,172 km β—‰
Service ceiling 6,706 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg β—‰
Empty weight 8,308 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 569 kW β—‰
Wing area 167.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 17.0 m β—‰
Height 5.7 m β—‰
Length 32.8 m β—‰
Maximum speed 3541 km/h β—‰
Operational range 5,230 km β—‰
Service ceiling 25,908 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 78,018 kg β—‰
Empty weight 30,617 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 5,670 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 3,091 km/h.
Which has longer range, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 12 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the S-2 Tracker or SR-71 Blackbird?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.