Here is the info on the plaques at the Blackbird Airpark as read from Paul Stahl's photos he sent me. Thanks again to Paul for sending them to me. Please note that there are a few typos/spelling errors in this information. I included them in the spirit of accurate reporting!? LOCKHEED SR-71A The SR-71A reached a speed of Mach 1.3 during its maiden flight from Plant 42 on December 22, 1964. After extensive flight testing at nearby Edwards AFB, the Blackbird entered operational service with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in January 1966 at Beale AFB, California. Primary overseas operating locations were Kadena AB, Japan and RAF Mildenhall, England. On March 6, 1990, an SR-71 set a transcontinental coast to coast record, flying 2,404 statute miles in 68 minutes 17 seconds. ************** This aircraft, #61-7973, was delivered to SAC in 1968. It served its entire career in operational reconnaissance with the 9th SRW. It's last flight was July 21, 1987 from Mildenhall to Plant 42. It has 1729.9 total flying hours. Restoration courtesy of Lockheed Advanced Development Company. SPECIFICATIONS Wing Span...........................55.6 ft Wing Area.......................1,795 sq ft Length (excluding pitot)...........103.8 ft Height..............................18.5 ft Empty Weight.....................67,500 lbs Gross Takeoff Weight............152,000 lbs Maximum Fuel Capacity............84,180 lbs Engine.....2 Pratt & Whitney J-58 Turbojets Static Thrust (each)...........32,500 lbs Crew......................................2 Sensor Payload....................3,500 lbs PERFORMANCE Maximun Speed..........Mach 3.2 (2,112 mph) at 85,000 ft (estimated) Maximum Range (unrefuelled)........3,250 mi Maximum Operational Ceiling.......85,000 ft This aircraft is on loan from the USAF Museum Program