Black Bird SR-71

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft.It was developed from theLockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works as a black project. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During reconnaissance missions the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats; if a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, standard evasive action was simply to accelerate.
The SR-71 was in service with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. Twelve of the 32 aircraft were destroyed in accidents; none were lost to enemy action.The SR-71 was unofficially named the Blackbird, and called the Habu by its crews, referring to an Okinawan species of pit viper.Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12.

Air inlets:

The air inlets allowed the plane to cruise at over Mach 3.2, yet kept air flowing into the turbojet engines at a subsonic, Mach 0.5 speed. At the front of each inlet was a sharply pointed movable cone called a "spike" that was locked in its full forward position on the ground and when in subsonic flight. As the aircraft accelerated past Mach 1.6, an internal jackscrew moved the spike as much as 26 inches (66 cm) to the rear.

The SR-71 designator is a continuation of the pre-1962 bomber series, which ended with the XB-70 Valkyrie.

Thirteen A-12s were built. Two A-12 variants were also developed, including three YF-12A interceptor prototypes, and two M-21 drone carrier variants. The cancellation of A-12 program was announced on 28 December 1966,due to budget concerns,and because of the forthcoming SR-71. The A-12 flew missions over North Korea in 1968 before its retirement.