Why not follow the Hustler with another record-breaking air cutter? Here's a walk around the SR-71, the fastest manned air-breathing plane (about 2,200 mph) also holds the record for sustained altitude in horizontal flight (about 85,000 feet), both records set in 1976. This one is the second built and the oldest in existence. It was also the only aircraft in the Blackbird family to be designated YF-12C. Why? NASA was testing the effects of flight at speeds and altitudes only the Blackbird could

Meet the Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest operational aircraft ever. | Interesting Engineering

NASA just released footage of the SR-71 — the ultimate spy plane. | Vocativ

The SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft flew missions around the globe at speeds above Mach 3 and altitudes of 85,000 feet or more. Although its many contributions to national security will never be fully revealed to the public, the Skunk Works marvel holds many world aviation records for its speed and altitude. In this interview with former SR-71 pilot Col. Buzz Carpenter, you'll hear a first-hand account of the aircraft's power and majesty. The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, high-altitu