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Q:

When an SR-71 Blackbird is at Mach 3, how hot is the airframe?

A:

At speeds of Mach 3 (3 times the speed of sound) the SR- 71 Blackbird’s airframe temperature can range from 315-480 degrees Celcius (600-900 degrees Farenheit), depending on its altitude. The Blackbird’s frame is mainly constructed from titanium, a high temperature resistant alloy, and other temperature resistant materials. These high temperature resistant materials reduce the heat of the aircraft as well as reduce the aircraft’s structure from being compromised, due to the high temperatures. 

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