[Destro]

If we are still using the U2s - why did we retire the Blackbirds? (or did we?)

[pterional]

At 100,000 dollars an hour to fly spy satellites seem cheaper.

[southland]

The Blackbird was very expensive to fly besides the Aurora perhaps took its place.

[Robert_Paulson2]

blackbirds are deprecated.
assume something else is being used...

[Lokibob]

We retired the SR-71 so I can say on threads like this "BYE, BYE, BLACKBIRD".

[Conspiracy Guy]

Retired due to age and operating cost.

[Blood of Tyrants]

What pterional said. With modern optics and digital imaging, the SR-71 has become obsolete and with each flight costing well over $1.5 million, it was and easy decision to make. The U-2 however, flies much slower, uses much less fuel, can use standard JP-4 or JP-5 for fuel, and requires much less maintenance.

Also, the Aurora or X-47 as I think it is called, is an unmanned jet that will fly even faster than the Blackbird.

[UCANSEE2]

We retired the sr-71 blackbirds.

But imagine the sr-71 with the latest in engine improvements.
It is said the pilots never had the blackbirds at full throttle.

But, back to the subject, it is no surprise one of the U-2's crashed on landing.

A slight crosswind and.....splat.

When landing, two cowboys riding in the back of El Caminos must catch up with the landing plane's wingtips and attach landing wheels just prior to touchdown.

Any mistakes and .... splat...splat....splat.