The aircraft is the last of only 32 Blackbirds ever built and was previously upgraded with digital controls to reduce engine unstarts. It is associated with a still-standing 1976 speed record of 2,193 mph and operating altitudes above 80,000 feet. Maintenance remains a hurdle for potential flights as the J58 engines require JP-7 fuel, which is no longer in regular production.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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Last Built SR-71 Vanishes From NASA Armstrong Center
Tech23 days ago
Tail number 844, the final SR-71 Blackbird produced, has been missing from its display area at NASA's California facility, and has not been detected by satellite imagery since May. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently presented a slide titled "Rebuilding our X-plane portfolio" that featured a jet resembling the aircraft and replied "That's classified" when asked about bringing the SR-71 back into service. NASA has since stated it has no additional information to share regarding the jet's location.
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