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EF-111 Raven vs SR-71 Blackbird

Grumman EF-111 Raven military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EF-111 Raven
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
Change comparison vs
Specifications
EF-111 Raven SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1977 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1981 1966
Number produced 42 units 32 units
Average unit price $65 million $185 million
Wing area 48.8 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 19.2 m 17.0 m
Height 5.0 m 5.7 m
Length 23.5 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 2350 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 3,220 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 39,680 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 24,230 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,390 kgf 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EF-111 Raven and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 2,350 km/h for the EF-111 Raven vs 3,541 km/h for the SR-71 Blackbird. The EF-111 Raven has an operational range of 3,220 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 17,000 m for the EF-111 Raven.

The EF-111 Raven has been produced in 42 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $65M for the EF-111 Raven vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 13 years before the EF-111 Raven (1964 vs 1977).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the EF-111 Raven's 2,350 km/h, a difference of 1,191 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the EF-111 Raven's 3,220 km.
Which can fly higher, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the EF-111 Raven's 17,000 meters (55,774 ft).
Which is heavier, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the EF-111 Raven's 39,680 kg.
Which is larger, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the EF-111 Raven's 23.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the EF-111 Raven at $65 million.
Which entered service first, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 15 years before the EF-111 Raven which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EF-111 Raven or SR-71 Blackbird?
The EF-111 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.