Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Reconnaissance Aircraft PhotosThe Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was designed as a high-altitude aircraft, high speed, provided before the attack and post-attack reconnaissance. SR-71 aircraft flew most of its operational missions Detachment 1, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Between 1968 and shut down in 1990, the SR-71 fleet flew more than 3,500 operational missions. No SR-71 was shot down or hit by enemy fire, and is known to leave behind 100s of missiles. It could fly a mile in less than 2 seconds. It was in Okinawa that the Blackbird has earned the nickname Habu after a venomous snake origin. When the SR-71 flew, the Okinawans thought it looked like Habu snake in flight. Marks have been counted out on the plane as small white Habus.
