A left-side view of a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird taking off at sunset from Beale Air Force Base in California. The Blackbird may be retired from active service, but it is certainly not forgotten. The strategic reconnaissance aircraft could operate at an altitude of 85,000 at Mach 3.2, essentially allowing it to outrun any surface-to-air threats.

Image courtesy of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs Office.