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S-2 Tracker vs SR-71 Blackbird

Grumman S-2 Tracker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-2 Tracker
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
Change comparison vs
Specifications
S-2 Tracker SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Lockheed
First flight 4 November 1952 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1954 1966
Number produced 1284 units 32 units
Average unit price -- $185 million
Wing area 45.0 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 22.2 m 17.0 m
Height 5.4 m 5.7 m
Length 13.3 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 450 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 2,172 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 6,706 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 8,308 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,137 kW 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

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 — 7.9:1 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 6.6:1 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).

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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.