The final flight of the SR 71 23 years ago. On October 9, a record breaking Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird made its final flight. The SR 71, built by Skunkworks, conducted its first flight on December 22, 1964. The lucky SR 71 Blackbird went on to become the fastest and highest flying operated airbreathing jet aircraft. A total of 32 units of the strategic reconnaissance plane were produced over the years, with the type making its final flight on October 9 of 1999