Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Kadena AFB Die-Cast Model

One of the fastest aircraft ever built.

One of the fastest aircraft in the world, Lockheed’s SR-71 Blackbird was a highly-classified and ambitious project to go far beyond the range of enemy defenses. Designed and manufactured under secrecy in the 1960s, this sleek aircraft featured an angular fuselage with delta-wings at the tail. Known as “Ichiban” with the tail number 61-7974, this aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure during acceleration to Mach-3. Suffering from a frozen compressor bearing, pilot Lt. Col Dan House and RSO Blair Bozek suddenly felt the force of their Blackbird’s right engine disintegrating over the South China Sea. Fighting for control, House managed to get the aircraft below 10,000 ft, where they could safely eject. Recovered from the depths of the ocean and placed in a hangar at Kadena Air Force Base, the remains of Ichiban were given a proper sendoff, before they were laid to rest in the Mariana Trench.

Features:

– Authentic paint scheme, engraved panel lines, and pad printed decals across the surface

– Faithfully replicated surface lines, grilles, and engine details

– Optional retracted or deployed landing gear

– Cast metal display stand

– Measures 17.75”l with a 9.25″ wingspan at 1:72 scale

History and Specifications:
Produced between 1964 and 1968 with 32 examples manufactured, the SR-71A measured 107ft long with a 56ft wingspan. Fitted with two Pratt & Whitney J58 afterburning-turbojet engines, the aircraft surpassed Mach 3.4 within just months of introduction. Reaching more than 85,000 ft of altitude, each body panel was subject to more than 1000°F at top speed, necessitating the use of titanium alloy across the airframe. Further dissipating the heat, engineer Ben Rich spent much time on the challenge, before realizing than an all-black paint scheme could solve their issues. Receiving the name “Blackbird” for its iconic look, the SR-71 was also pioneer in stealthy design, appearing just larger than a bird. Integrating radar-absorbing paint with angular surfaces, more than 90% of the massive aircraft would be invisible from early-warning stations. Retiring from service during the 1990s, with more than 3,551 missions, 17,000 sorties, and 53,400 flight hours, no SR-71 was ever taken down by enemy fire.