Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Re: SR71

Once again he speaks nonsense

In case anyone wanted to find out what the SR-71 could do, all you have to do is go read the flight manual, particularly this graph, fully declassified and available online. The numbers there are confirmed by a coworker of mine who spent 5 years as an SR-71 RSO.

In short, Mach 3.17 was the normal max cruise speed, Mach 3.2 was the design Mach number, and Mach 3.3 was the limit as long as the compressor inlet temp didn't exceed 427 degrees C. Speeds over Mach 3.2 were only allowed if the commander expressly permitted it. As for altitude, the normal limit was 85,000 feet. It could go a few thousand feet higher but that was only if everything was working properly, the CIT was within limits, and the commander permitted it.

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