SR-20 vs SR-71 Blackbird
Overview
The SR-20 and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Cirrus and Lockheed respectively.
The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 12:1 the SR-20's 287 km/h. The SR-20 has an operational range of 1,450 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 78,018 kg MTOW, the SR-71 Blackbird is 56:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
The SR-20 has been produced in 1,459 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $0.63M for the SR-20 vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 31 years before the SR-20 (1964 vs 1995).
| American civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Cirrus |
| First flight | 21 March 1995 |
| Year introduced | 1999 |
| Number produced | 1459 units |
| Average unit price | $630K |
| American strategic reconnaissance aircraft, operational from 1966-1998, unmatched speed and altitude records, infamous for Cold War and NASA missions. | |
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| 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 | 13.5 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.7 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 287 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,450 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,334 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,383 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 943 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 149 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 5,670 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 3,254 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 33 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SR-20 or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.