What Interceptor or Fighter Can Stop the SR-71?

Same, same old;

The R-33 long-range missile was created for arming MiG-31 fighter-interceptors. It became operational in 1980 and is capable of engaging SR-71 strategic reconnaissance aircraft, B-52 and B-1 bombers, aircraft of front and transport aviation, and also helicopters and cruise missiles

www.fas.org...

A R-73 is also 'capable of engaging' a Sr-71, B-2, B1, and B-52.

reply to post by iskander


Thread necromancy FTL

A R-73 is also 'capable of engaging' a Sr-71, B-2, B1, and B-52.

Point being?

Thread necromancy FTL

Oh come on! When the basics are not covered in the topic this old, who’s not doing their job on the “Deny ignorance” forums?

It honestly dosen't matter weither the mig 31 or mig 25 could intersept the Blackbird. The Blackbird isn't in service anymore so it does not matter.

As of now to my knowledge,there isnt any aircraft yet created which can match the speed of the Blackbird.Most known fighter jets has only a maximum service ceiling of 60000 ft.The Blackbird can reach up to 80000ft. SR-71's maximum speed is almost mach 3,much faster than present day jets which only reach a maximum of mach 2.2. Speed and altitude are also big factors when it comes to dogfights.So if the question is as of today is there any which can match up to the blackbird.Unfortunately there isnt any yet. If there are any, then certainly is must be able to catch up with the blackbird in terms of speed, altitude and manuverability.

Originally posted by Nacnud
An English Electric Lightning might be able to intercept a SR-71 but maybe not catch it from behind.

Celling 26km +
Rate of climb 15km/minute
Top speed Mach 2.2+

The Lightning is a fast aircraft, but I'm don't think it can catch it; The MiG-25 never did, and is a faster aircraft than the Lightning


1) maximum speed

SR-71 Blackbird 3530 km/h
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 3390 km/h
BAC Lightning 2415 km/h


2) rate of climb

BAC Lightning F Mk6 15250 m/min
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 12480 m/min
SR-71 Blackbird 3600 m/min


3) service ceiling

SR-71 Blackbird 26060 m
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 20700 m
BAC Lightning 18300 m


4) engine thrust

SR-71 Blackbird 302 kN
MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" 220 kN
BAC Lightning 142.34 kN


6) maximum range

SR-71 Blackbird 5925 km
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 2575 km
BAC Lightning 2040 km