On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers flew the first aeroplane ever at 6.8 mph (10.9 km/h). Only 61 years and five days later, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird took off. It’s still the world’s fastest aeroplane with a speed of 2,193 mph (3,530 km/h.) This fascinating video reveals how its top secret engine technology works.
A ground test of the Pratt & Whitney J58 engine’s afterburner at full power.
It’s truly amazing that only 61 years and five days separate this
from this:
And it’s even more unbelievable that we haven’t been able to top that 51 years later (it will be exactly 51 years tomorrow — the first flight occurred on December 22, 1963.) Absolutely incredible.