The SR-71 Blackbird, renowned as the fastest operational military aircraft, set a record on September 1, 1974, by flying from New York to London in under two hours. The aircraft, piloted by James Sullivan and Noel Widdifield, reached speeds of Mach 3.2 during the historic journey, a record that still stands today.
The SR-71 Blackbird, a legendary reconnaissance aircraft, secured its place in aviation history 50 years ago by completing the fastest-ever flight from New York to London. On September 1, 1974, the Blackbird, piloted by U.S. Air Force officers James Sullivan and Noel Widdifield, covered the 3,461-mile distance in just one hour, 54 minutes, and 56 seconds, maintaining an average speed of 1,807 mph.
This record-setting flight, which remains unbeaten, showcased the aircraft’s remarkable capabilities, including its ability to cruise at Mach 3.2—three times the speed of sound, or approximately 2,455 mph. Designed by Lockheed for stealth and speed, the SR-71 flew at an altitude of 80,000 feet, nearly double the cruising height of most commercial jets. The crew donned space suits, adding to the experience’s otherworldly nature, with Widdifield comparing it to being an astronaut, seeing stars and the blackness of space.
The flight was not without its challenges. At one point, the aircraft experienced a “yaw,” a sudden side-to-side motion, due to a temporary loss of power in one engine. However, the automatic restart system quickly corrected the issue, allowing the Blackbird to continue its historic run without significantly impacting the record attempt.
The journey concluded at the Farnborough Air Show in London, where the Blackbird arrived to an enthusiastic reception. The SR-71’s record remains a testament to the extraordinary engineering and piloting skill that defined this iconic aircraft’s nearly 25 years of service.
