SR-71,F117 and Aurora

[Mark Sanders]

Can someone explain how Lockheed was able to design and build an
airplane like the SR-71...undoubtedly the fastest...most exotic...and
most futuristic airplane of the last 30 years only 15 years after
military jets had come into service.

On top of that, WHY is this craft taken out of service even when it is
still the fastest, highest flying and virtually indefensible recon
aircraft in the world?

How was it that, after 20 years of similar designs, suddenly the F117,
not only stealthy, but quiet and virtually unflyable by the unaided
pilot appears. (B2 soon after)

Now we hear of Aurora the hyper-sonic replacement to the SR-71....

Does anybody have any data on the development of these super craft?

Please advise