I saw a show on the history channel recently about the SR-71 and they said the aircraft is now retired. Mostly due to massive expense. Satellites and UAV spy aircraft are far more practical these days.
Don't know if it's still there, but there was a retired Blackbird sitting on the tarmac at the museum at Offut Air Base in Bellevue, Nebraska a couple years back when I was there. Walked around it, touched it...one of the most amazing aircraft in history, IMO.
SR-71's to my knowledge were "unretired" do to the fact that no plane has been developed to replace them.
I think your right...It cost like 2 million to fly it each time..Repairs...The aircraft (metals expand) when the high
speeds are reached..
Spy satellites do the same job.
Go USA...
I think Uncle Same has this new airplane for spying and
delivery ...Aurora..Mach 7 or something..