The Lockheed YF-12 was first released in the 1960s and broke the speed of every fighter jet that came before it. It was a prototype interceptor that quickly achieved the “highest speed” record at 2,070 mph and the “highest” record at 80,257 feet. This means that it can quickly climb to high altitudes to destroy Soviet bombers.
Unfortunately, in the late 60s, the United States and the Air Force were preparing for war in Vietnam. Due to the lack of a high-speed link in Southeast Asia, any plan to build one was shelved. Despite early success, only three prototypes were ever made.
One crash occurred after the pilot ejected, and the other was seriously damaged by a crash landing that “overtook” the plane. As a result, only one YF-12 remains, and it is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.