USAF 9th SRW, #61-7974 Ichi Ban, Kadena AFB, Japan. Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Designed as a long-range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, The Lockheed SR-71 first flew on December 22, 1964. It was capable of mach 3 and still holds the record for the fastest “air breathing manned aircraft” in the world.