Throughout its 34-year Cold War career with the USAF & CIA the top secret Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane was the worlds fastest & highest-flying operational manned aircraft. Dedicated to strategic reconnaissance the Blackbird was so fast that no other aircraft could catch it. The co-authors are world authorities on the Blackbird & give rare insights into the secret world of the SR-71 its genesis construction & anatomy (including its use of stealth technology) & its operation & maintenance in peace & war.