Are there any SR-71 Blackbird still flying?
NASA was the final operator of the Blackbird, using it as a research platform, until it was retired again in 1999. Since its retirement, the SR-71’s role has been taken up by a combination of reconnaissance satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The most significant cost was tanker support, and in 1990, confronted with budget cutbacks, the Air Force retired the SR-71. The Blackbird had outrun nearly 4,000 missiles, not once taking a scratch from enemy fire.
Were any SR-71 pilots killed?
Twelve SR-71s were lost and one pilot died in accidents during the aircraft’s service career. No aircraft were ever lost due to enemy action. The first SR-71 to enter service was in January 1966. Operational SR-71 aircraft were assigned to the 9th SSRW at Beale AFB and various detachments. Jeff Hogan . SR-71 did indeed come after the U-2 . ALL of them is available). But I assure you the U-2 is still flying — i live near Beale AFB, and have worked inside the base many times.