Is anything faster than the SR-71?
The iconic SR-71 Blackbird spy plane is known for being the official record holder for the fastest jet-powered, piloted aircraft of all time. However, there has actually been a legitimate, jet-powered, piloted aircraft that was faster than the SR-71, the A-12 Oxcart. The SR-71 Blackbird is a very difficult plane to fly. It is one of the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever built, and it has a number of unique challenges that make it difficult to operate.No, the SR-71 Blackbird is not still flying. The U. S. Air Force officially retired the aircraft in 1998, and NASA concluded its FINAL flights in October 1999. All remaining SR-71 airframes are currently on display in museums or stored in facilities.