RE: Blackbird, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft.
RE: admiring greatest human achievement SR-71
I just think regarding attempts of speed achievement in flights as well in respect of the mass production, only at given years 1959-61 considering primitive technology. Working those days with titanium practically impossible rolling or bending as well later testing pilots taking it up trough different heights / speeds in times of practically non existing computer controls.
In reconnaissance missions operating at those high speeds and altitudes, worrying about singing tunes of vibrations, talking your self, “it will never happen” this plane - falling apart, while I am in.
Later detecting surface-to-air launch from Soviets.... oh, lucky it came always late, as one was able to simply accelerate and outrun the missile.
Air force / Military may want toys, that is one thing, but the other thing is to realize dream. 