Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

The SR-71 flies at more than three times the speed of sound at altitudes in excess of 80,000 feet (approximately 15 miles high); for example, three times the speed of sound (Mach 3) is more than 2,000 miles per hour. Congress appropriated funds and directed the Air Force to recommission a small fleet of SR-71s, two A models and one B model. The aircraft were assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing's Detachment 2 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., before retirement. (U.S. Air Force photo)

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An air-to-air overhead front view of an SR-71A strategic reconnaissance aircraft. The SR-71, unofficially known as the "Blackbird," is a long-range, advanced, strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft. The U.S. Air Force retired its fleet of SR-71s on Jan. 26, 1990, but returned them in 1995 until January 1997. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world's fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Haggerty)

Freezing rain encased the upper half of an SR-71 Blackbird and formed icicles along the leading and trailing edge of the static display aircraft Jan. 16 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)

The SR-71 lands with drag chute at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo)

This photo shows a head-on view of NASA's SR-71B, used for pilot proficiency and training, on the ramp at the Air Force's Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, shortly before delivery to the Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility (later, Dryden Flight Research Center) at Edwards, California. NASA operated two of these unique aircraft, an SR-71A, for high-speed, high altitude research, and this SR- 71B pilot trainer for most of the decade of the 1990s. The "B" model is special because of its raised rear cockpit, which provided a second pilot position so a trainer and an experienced pilot could both see what was going on during flights. Image courtesy of NASA.

NASA’s SR-71 streaks into the twilight with full afterburner on the first night/science flight from the Dryden Flight Research Facility, Mar. 9, 1993. Onboard were research pilot Steve Ishmael and flight engineer Marta Bohn-Meyer.

The original trio of SR-71 "Blackbirds" loaned to NASA by the U.S. Air Force for high-speed, high-altitude research line the ramp at the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The three former reconnaissance aircraft, two SR-71 "A" models and one "B" model, can fly more than 2200 mph and at altitudes of over 80,000 feet.

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon (General Dynamics)

SIDI SLIMANE AIR BASE -- F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrived here, in support of Exercise African Eagle. African Eagle is a bi-annual exercise designed to practice dissimilar air to air training with the Royal Moroccan air force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Delia A. Castillo)

 Two F-16s from Aviano Air Base, Italy, drop away from the fuel boom after gassing up from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Adriatic Sea. The jets were refueled by the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Air Refueling Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. The 108th ARW is part of the 16th Expeditionary Operations Group, a small U.S. Air Force detachment located on this French air base. The 16th Expeditionary Operations Group is a unit of the 16th Air Expeditionary Wing, U.S. Air Forces in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dave Ahlschwede)

A formation F-16C Fighting Falcons on a flight from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., to Atlantic City International Airport, N.J. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Don Taggart)

F-16 Falcon over the pyramids at Giza, Egypt

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off on a mission supporting NATO's Operation Allied Force. The F-16 is deployed from the 78th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jeffrey Allen)

An F-16CJ based here appears to be flying towards a rising moon during late afternoon in March. The aircraft is being flown by Capt. Randy Efferson, 9th Air Force F-16 "Viper" Demonstration pilot. The F-16 is assigned to the 78th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Greg L. Davis)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, flys a Combat Air Patrol mission May 3, 1999. Planes flying the CAP missions provide air cover for NATO Operation Allied Force strike missions in Yuglslavia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jeffrey Allen)

 A New Mexico Air National Guard F-16C Fighting Falcon taxis out for an Operation Southern Watch patrol mission. The 188th Fighter Squadon recently joined their active duty counterparts from the 523rd Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter Wing, to support air operations over the No-Fly, No-Drive Zone in Southern Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Greg Davis)

Tech. Sgt Daniel Gilbert, an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, checks the underside of an F-16 launching at a forward deployed air base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Terry L. Blevins)

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- Crew chiefs prep F-16 Fighting Falcons for Operation Iraqi Freedom night misisons at a forward-deployed air base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt Terry L. Blevins)

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Capt. Thomas Seymour, an F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron here, fires an AGM-88 high-speed antiradiation missile at a target during a March 24 test mission. The HARM is an air-to-surface missile designed to seek and destroy enemy radar-equipped air defense systems. The F-16 is the only aircraft in the Air Force capable of using the HARM. (U. S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Ammons)

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares for take off on an operational sortie at a forward-deployed location March 29. According to a defense official, coalition air forces are averaging about 1,000 sorties a night after the first week of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Air Force has also dropped more than 5,000 precision-guided munitions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

Spangdahlem F-16s fly observation formation off the wing of a KC-10. KC-10 Extenders from the 305th/514th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J., are deployed to Burgas Airport and nearby Camp Sarafovo, Bulgaria, to support tanker operations. Members from various Air Force units world-wide are currently deployed with the 409th AEG in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Ahlschwede)

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Two F-16CJ Fighting Falcons from the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi here for the last time April 7. The fighters are returning home to Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., after supporting Operation Northern Watch for several years. Aircraft flew their last ONW mission March 17. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Thompson)

SIOUX FALLS S.D. -- An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds sits on the tarmac at Joe Foss Field, S.D. The premier Air Force aerial demonstration team performed in an air show for 40,000 specatators the following day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Frye)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft flies with three F-16 Fighting Falcons during a recent test mission . The AWACS was here to conduct airborne interoperability testing on the Link-16, part of the F-16 Mid-Life Upgrade test program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tom Reynolds)

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- A KC-10A Extender, deployed to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, refuels a Danish air force F-16 over Afghanistan. The F-16, operating from Ganci Air Base in the Kyrgyz Republic, is providing close air support to collation ground forces. The KC-10A’s home base is McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rachel Bush)

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Capt. Christopher Stricklin ejects from the USAF Thunderbirds number six aircraft less than a second before it impacted the ground at an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 14. Stricklin, who was not injured, ejected after both guiding the jet away from the crowd of more than 60,000 people and ensuring he couldn't save the aircraft. This was only the second crash since the Air Force began using F-16 Falcons for its demonstration team in 1982. The ACES II ejection seat performed flawlessly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

OVER IRAQ -- A pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons launch flares during a mission Aug. 18. The aircraft are assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and deployed from the New Mexico Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott Reed)

U.S Navy - Carriers & Drones and a Submarine =)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 8, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) transits the Arabian Sea before making its approach alongside the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) for a replenishment-at-sea. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 9, 2013) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is conducting training and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leonard Adams Jr./Released)

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan (Jan. 10, 2013) Ground crew await as an EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 taxis after returning from a flight during heavy snows at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa. VAQ-132 is currently finishing up a six-month deployment at NAF Misawa in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 31, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Eric Augustine directs an EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Strike Fighter Squadron (VAQ) 133 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 2, 2013) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) approach the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). Mobile Bay is deployed with the John C. Stennis Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 5, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) operates in the Arabian Sea during sunset. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Yeoman 3rd Class James Stahl/Released)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 02, 2013) - An MH-60S Knighthawk of the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 carries stores off of the flight deck as Sailors move cargo on aircraft elevator three on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a replenishment-at-sea. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 2, 2013) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 711) is moored at Fleet Activities Yokosuka during a deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil/Released)

NORFOLK (Dec. 19, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 18, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during the departure of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning to its homeport of Norfolk after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2012) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft is transported on an aircraft elevator aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2012) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft is transported on an aircraft elevator aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

Rockwell(Boeing) B-1B Lancer

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- An Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing at Diego Garcia takes off for a combat mission Oct. 23 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Air Force B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 aircraft have expended more than 80 percent of the tonnage dropped on combat missions over Afghanistan. The Air Force has flown more than 600 sorties including strike missions against al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Afghanistan. These targets include early warning radars, ground forces, command and control facilities, al Qaeda infrastructure, airfields and aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Cuomo)

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM -- A B-1B Lancer performs a low-level fly-by for troops deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom on Oct. 27. The B-1B's three internal weapons bays can accommodate up to 84 MK-82 general purpose bombs or MK-62 naval mines, 30 CBU-87/89 cluster munitions or CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Rebeca M. Luquin)

OVER WYOMING -- The B-1B is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions without refueling, then penetrating present and future sophisticated enemy defenses. It can perform a variety of missions, including that of a conventional weapons carrier for theater operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Thurow)

A B-1B Lancer unleashes cluster munitions. The B-1B uses radar and inertial navigation equipment enabling aircrews to globally navigate, update mission profiles and target coordinates in-flight, and precision bomb without the need for ground-based navigation aids. (U.S. Air Force photo)

ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England -- Five B-1B Lancers are forward deployed here in support of Operation Allied Force. The B-1B is a long-range strategic bomber, capable of flying intercontinental missions and penetrating present and future sophisticated enemy defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jeff Fitch)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A B-1B Lancer gets towed to a new parking spot on the flightline here, Mar. 27th 2003. The bomber is here supporting the 7th Air Expiditionary Wing's mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Joshua Strang)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A B-1B Lancer here flies overhead during the Edwards Air Force Base Open House and Air Show. The B-1B unofficially set and broke almost 50 new world speed records during the air show Oct. 25 and 26. Record-breaking courses included three 15-, 25-, 100-, 500- and 1,000-kilometer speed dashes. National Aeronautic Association officials still need to verify the results, 

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (AFPN) -- Airman 1st Class Phil Roy talks with a B-1B Lancer aircrew before a recent mission. Roy is a crew chief from the 28th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at a forward-deployed location. Maintenance crews work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. Their duties include washing, refueling, inspecting, repairing and servicing all systems of the B-1B. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Hannen)

The B-1B Lancer cruises above the clouds. A B-1B test program that combined testing of software upgrades, along with integrating the 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition wrapped up here Feb. 24. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung)

A B-1B Lancer takes off. A B-1B employed guided bomb unit-31s Dec. 3 against enemy mortar positions located in Asadabad, Afghanistan. A joint terminal attack controller in the area declared the mission as successful as the bombs impacted on the intended targets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Michael B. Keller)

1st Lt. Jason Edwards checks the bomb load of a B-1B Lancer Dec. 29 as he and the rest of the aircrew preflight check the bomber prior to a mission. Lieutenant Edwards is with the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at an air base in Southwest Asia. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Douglas Olsen)

Maj. Anthony Mincer (left) and Capt. Brian Buschur run through their preflight checklist in a B-1B Lancer Dec. 29 prior to a mission. The two pilots are with the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at an air base in Southwest Asia. (U. S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Douglas Olsen)

A B-1B Lancer takes off from a forward-deployed location in Southwest Asia. A bomber summit will be held at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Sept. 12 and 13 to review a number of topics related to status of the Air Force's bomber fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Clark Staehle

A B-1B Lancer takes off from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 27, 2011, on a mission in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marc I. Lane)

A two-ship formation of B-1B Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, release chaff and flares while maneuvering over New Mexico during a training mission Feb. 24, 2010. Dyess celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first B-1B bomber arriving at the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)