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Originally Posted by Captain Drunk
Thats only because the SR-71s were skirting Russian borders and not in the heart of Russia, far from the SAMs. Without mid-air refuelling, a 2900 odd mile ranged Blackbird won't make it across the Atlantic. Unlike the Concord, it'll plunge into the sea and at any given point from a Russian coast / border to the middle of Russia the distance is more than 5000 km. Hence no SR-71 overflew the heart of Russia only the outskirts. Recee Foxbats are strictly made for Mach 3, the Mach 2.83 speed was for longer service life of the engines since during maintainence overhauls fan blades, bearing, etc. had to be replaced regularly. Also, no F-15 flies at Mach 2.5+ above 30,000 ft. it is 15% faster only at sea level from where it cannot intercept a Foxbat flying 90,000 ft. up. A Foxbat has gone upto 118,898 ft., which is still a record no SR-71 has ever beat  |
Where do you get your information? How in the world do you have any idea what flight path SR-71s follow? I guarantee you dont. Unless you were the pilot (which you're obviously not) then you're talking out of your ass. Above Mach 3, the SR-71's engines are consuming very little fuel...its got legs.
F-15s do fly over 30k feet. I've watched it happen, and almost done it myself in the backseat.