The Unique Tires of the SR-71 Blackbird
YouTube / Air Zoo
The SR-71 Blackbird, known for its record-breaking speed and altitude, had some extraordinary tires to match its cutting-edge design.
Front and Rear Tires
The front tires resembled regular jet tires, but the rear ones were distinct. Each rear wheel sported three specialized BFGoodrich tires, coated with powdered aluminum mixed into the rubber. This gave the tires their unique silver color and enhanced their strength to endure the extreme heat generated during supersonic flights.
Pressure and Inflation
SR-71 tires operated at an impressive 415 psi, vastly exceeding the 32 psi typical in car tires. To prevent explosions caused by the high landing speeds, they were filled with pure nitrogen instead of the usual nitrogen-oxygen mix.
Short Lifespan and High Costs
Despite their advanced design, these tires only lasted around 15 landings. Replacing them wasn’t cheap, with each tire costing about $2,300.
From their materials to their engineering, the SR-71’s tires highlight the incredible innovation required to support this legendary aircraft.
