SR-71 Blackbird vs U-2 Dragon Lady
| 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 |
| American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced | 1956 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $50 million |
| Wing area | 167.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 17.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 32.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 3541 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 5,230 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 25,908 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,018 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 30,617 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 11,340 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | 93.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 19.0 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,280 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 21,336 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18,144 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,486 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 8,618 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h, a difference of 2,736 km/h.
Which has longer range, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 21,336 meters (70,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady at $50 million.
Which entered service first, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 10 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the SR-71 Blackbird or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.