Originally posted by Nacnud
An English Electric Lightning might be able to intercept a SR-71 but maybe not
catch it from behind.
Celling 26km +
Rate of climb 15km/minute
Top speed Mach 2.2+
The Lightning is a fast aircraft, but I'm don't think it can catch it; The MiG-25 never did, and is a faster aircraft than the Lightning
1) maximum speed
SR-71 Blackbird 3530 km/h
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 3390 km/h
BAC Lightning 2415 km/h
2) rate of climb
BAC Lightning F Mk6 15250 m/min
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 12480 m/min
SR-71 Blackbird 3600 m/min
3) service ceiling
SR-71 Blackbird 26060 m
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 20700 m
BAC Lightning 18300 m
4) engine thrust
SR-71 Blackbird 302 kN
MiG-25PD "Foxbat-E" 220 kN
BAC Lightning 142.34 kN
6) maximum range
SR-71 Blackbird 5925 km
MiG-25 "Foxbat" 2575 km
BAC Lightning 2040 km