Absolute speed record for jet-powered aircraft on July 28, 1976.

Maj. Gen. Eldon “Al” Joersz, USAF pilot retired, front, and Lt. Col. George “GT” Morgan, USAF retired reconnaissance systems officer, sit inside the cockpit of the SR-71 aircraft they flew when setting the world absolute speed record for jet-powered aircraft on July 28, 1976. The two were at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia for the 40th anniversary of the historic flight. (U.S. Air Force photo’s by Tommie Horton/Released)