The Blackbird stealth bomber was a long-range aircraft used by the US Air Force, capable of travelling long distances. Its ability to operate at high speeds meant that it was virtually impossible for a Soviet surface-to-air missile to bring it down: it would simply accelerate out of the way if it detected an incoming missile.

The Blackbird was developed after the Soviets shot down a U-2 spyplane in 1960. The U-2 had become vulnerable at its slower speeds, so the United States developed the faster technology of the Blackbird for reconnaissance missions.

With a single pilot and no crew, it had more room for a sophisticated camera system used in intelligence-gathering missions over Soviet territory. Also known as the SR-71, the Blackbird's first flight was in December 1964. From then on, it flew one mission a week over enemy territory; by the 1970s, this had increased significantly to one mission every day.

The Blackbird is one example of the USA staying one step ahead of the Soviets in technological developments to retain air superiority.