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SR-71 Blackbird vs WZ-8

SR-71 Blackbird vs WZ-8 at a glance — top speed 3,541 vs 3,704 km/h, range 5,230 vs 8,000 km.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
AVIC WZ-8 military drones side profile drawing
🇨🇳 WZ-8
Specifications
SR-71 Blackbird WZ-8
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Drones
Manufacturer Lockheed AVIC
First flight 22 December 1964 --
Year introduced 1966 2019
Number produced 32 units N/A
Average unit price $185 million --
Wing area 167.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 17.0 m 6.7 m
Height 5.7 m 2.2 m
Length 32.8 m 11.5 m
Maximum speed 3541 km/h 3704 km/h
Operational range 5,230 km 8,000 km
Service ceiling 25,908 m 50,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,018 kg -- kg
Empty weight 30,617 kg -- kg
Total thrust 2 x 15,422 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the SR-71 Blackbird or WZ-8?
The WZ-8 is faster with a maximum speed of 3,704 km/h compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 3,541 km/h, a difference of 163 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SR-71 Blackbird or WZ-8?
The WZ-8 has a longer range at 8,000 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the SR-71 Blackbird or WZ-8?
The WZ-8 has a higher service ceiling at 50,000 meters (164,042 ft) compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 25,908 meters (85,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the SR-71 Blackbird or WZ-8?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the WZ-8's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the SR-71 Blackbird or WZ-8?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the WZ-8's 11.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the SR-71 Blackbird or WZ-8?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 53 years before the WZ-8 which entered service in 2019.