The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was a long-range, Mach 3 plus strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force .. it carried a flight crew of two ( pilot and Reconnaissance System Operator) it was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division .. during aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats .. if a surface to air missile (SAM) launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile .. the SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998, and a total of 32 aircraft were built .. it has held the world record for the fastest air breathing manned aircraft since 1976 .. NASA operated the two last airworthy Blackbirds until 1999 .. the Air Force permanently retired it in 1998 .. plane is for show only .. does not fly .. pictures taken in room, "!T! Nevada Desert Base by ChicByTrinity"