[The Lockheed SR-71 [Blackbird] was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence [Kelly] Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During reconnaissance missions the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outrun the missile]. – Wikipedia
Photo: A...
A farmers carries baskets of salt during a harvest in the the salt production process August 13, 2009 in Sumenep on Madura island, Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)...
The Dynasphere, an electrically-driven wheel, invented by Mr. J. A. Purves of Taunton and his son. It had 2.5 horse power and once attained a speed of 25 mph. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 1932...
Facade of the [Porcelain House], built by Chinese collector Zhang Lianzhi, on November 1, 2008 in the Heping district of Tianjin, China. Over 400 million porcelain fragments, 5,000 ancient vases, 4,000 antique china dishes and bowls, over 20 tons of crystalline rocks and agate, 400 white marble stone carvings were incorporated in the five year refurbishment of the unique French styled house. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)...
A chimpanzee feeding a leopard cub at Southam Park Zoo, Warwickshire. (Photo by Ian Tyas/Keystone Features/Getty Images). 1971...
A Thai drug user mixes the popular cheap narcotic drink as it is cooked over a fire on September 1, 2011 in Narwathiwat, southern Thailand. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)...
Hollowed pumpkins float on a lake Ludwigsburg Castle on September 19, 2010 in Ludwigsburg, Germany. (Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images)...
Meri Nirmala Sari, 11, poses in her traditional costume before a performance August 6, 2002 in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Meri dances with the Gunung Sari Peliatan dance group and has become a professional. She started dancing at age 5. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)...
An installation consisting of a series of bird boxes is displayed in a tree in Duncan Terrace Gardens in Islington on March 24, 2011 in London, England. The boxes by artists Bruce Gilchrist and Jo Joelson of [London Fieldworks], were designed to reflect the architecture of the Georgian terraces and flats that surround the park in the community gardens. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)...
Former Ministry of Defence motorbikes (guide price £650 to £1250) being serviced ready for potential buyers on August 12, 2011 in Colsterworth, England. Witham LTD sells a variety of former MOD equipment and vehicles to foreign countries, domestic companies and private individuals. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images)...