Is there a blackbird at Duxford?

SR-71 Blackbird at Imperial War Museum Duxford

Yes, Imperial War Museum Duxford displays an SR-71A Blackbird, one of the most famous and fastest aircraft ever built.

The Aircraft

• Type: Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
• Serial Number: 61-7974
• Role: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft
• Speed Record Holder: Officially recorded at over Mach 3.3 (2,200+ mph)
• Service History: Operated by the US Air Force from 1966-1998

Location at Duxford

• Hangar: Displayed in the AirSpace hangar
• Position: Prominent central location
• Viewing: Can walk around the entire aircraft
• Access: Included in standard museum admission

Why the Blackbird is Special

• Speed: Fastest air-breathing manned aircraft ever built
• Altitude: Operational ceiling above 85,000 feet
• Stealth Features: Early stealth technology and radar-absorbent materials
• Design: Unique titanium construction for high-temperature flight
• Cold War Icon: Symbol of American technological superiority

Technical Specifications

• Length: 107 feet (32.7 meters)
• Wingspan: 55 feet (16.9 meters)
• Height: 18 feet (5.6 meters)
• Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet engines
• Crew: Pilot and Reconnaissance Systems Officer

Duxford's Acquisition

• Acquired on long-term loan from the US Air Force
• One of only a few Blackbirds displayed outside the United States
• Represents the pinnacle of Cold War aviation technology
• Complements Duxford's comprehensive aircraft collection

Visitor Experience

• Close Access: Can walk very close to the aircraft
• Information Displays: Detailed technical and operational information
• Interactive Elements: Digital displays about reconnaissance missions
• Photography: Excellent opportunities for photos
• Scale Appreciation: Impressive size and distinctive shape

Historical Context

• Development: Developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division
• First Flight: December 22, 1964
• Operational Use: Reconnaissance over hostile territory
• Retirement: Final flight in 1999
• Legacy: Influenced development of modern stealth aircraft

Other Notable Features

• Fuel System: Leaked fuel on ground due to thermal expansion design
• Pilot Equipment: Required pressure suits similar to astronauts
• Maintenance: Extremely complex and expensive to operate
• Missions: Flew reconnaissance missions worldwide

Comparison with Other Aircraft

The Blackbird at Duxford is displayed alongside other remarkable aircraft:

• Concorde (civilian supersonic aircraft)
• Various military jets from different eras
• Allows comparison of different approaches to high-speed flight

The SR-71 Blackbird at Duxford represents one of the most technologically advanced aircraft ever built, offering visitors a chance to see this legendary Cold War reconnaissance aircraft up close.