50 years on, the transatlantic flight speed record remains unbroken

On September 1, 1974, pilots James Sullivan and Noel Widdifield set a transatlantic flight speed record that remains unbroken after 50 years. They flew the Lockheed Blackbird SR-71 from New York to London in just 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 56 seconds, achieving speeds of Mach 3.2, or approximately 2,455 mph. This record surpasses the Concorde's fastest commercial flight by nearly an hour. The flight occurred during a time of political turmoil in the U.S., shortly after President Nixon's resignation, and was seen as a morale booster for the nation. The Blackbird's flight path was carefully planned to avoid sonic booms over populated areas, requiring mid-air refueling. Widdifield, now 83, reflected on the flight as routine for them, despite the significant media attention. He noted that the record attempt was part of broader negotiations for the U.S. to base Blackbirds in the UK. The aircraft was retired in 1998, and Widdifield expressed surprise that no aircraft has since matched their speed, attributing it to the lack of new technology. He emphasized the teamwork behind their achievement, acknowledging the contributions of many support staff.

- The transatlantic speed record set in 1974 by the Blackbird SR-71 remains unbroken.

- The flight took less than two hours, significantly faster than the Concorde's record.

- The flight was a morale booster for the U.S. during a politically turbulent time.

- Widdifield highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving the record.

- The Blackbird SR-71 was retired in 1998, with no aircraft developed since capable of surpassing its speed.