The Blackbird (also known as the X-Jet) is a fictional jet aircraft appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum, the aircraft first appeared in X-Men #94 (August 1975). The Blackbird concept has survived multiple redesigns over the years. It is used primarily by the X-Men as a personal transport vehicle.
The Blackbird debuted in X-Men #94 (August 1975), created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. It appeared in the 2020 X-Men / Fantastic Four series.
When the X-Men were introduced, they traveled in Professor Xavier's Lambert private jet and helicopter: advanced but fairly conventional aircraft with remote autopilots. When the series resumed in 1975, the X-Men flew a strato-jet that resembled a larger version of the Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" spy plane (hence the name), modified to carry several passengers and for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL). Some writers have referred to this design as the "SR-73", "SR-77", or the "SR-70". The original X-Men Blackbird has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times in the course of the team's many adventures. The later versions incorporated technology created by the mutant inventor Forge, as well as alien (Shi'ar) technology, including weapons, holographic active camouflage, and engines capable of hypersonic speeds. One version of the Blackbird had an experimental cockpit windshield infused with traces of the same ruby quartz material used in Cyclops' visor, allowing him to project and amplify his optic blasts.
Jamie Lovett of ComicBook.com referred to the Blackbird as one of "Mavel's most iconic vehicles." Brad Hill of Sportskeeda included the Blackbird in their "10 Best Vehicles in Comic Books" list. Comic Book Resources ranked the Blackbird 1st in their "10 Best Vehicles In The Marvel Universe" list, 8th in their "10 Coolest Vehicles In Marvel Comics" list, and 10th in their "10 Most Important Vehicles In The Marvel Universe" list. Casey Haney of Screen Rant ranked the Blackbird 5th in their "16 Best Superhero Vehicles" list.
Alternate versions of the Blackbird appear in the Ultimate X-Men series. The X-Men have several aircraft, including one that resembles a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. It is also referred to as the "X-Wing." One of the airplanes has been referred to casually as the "Blackbird" owing to its resemblance to the SR-71.