Century Wings 1:72 Wings of Heroes 001616
Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Diecast Model
USAF 9th SRW, #61-7958, Beale AFB, CA, 1990 | Limited Edition
800
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird | | 17.75" | | 9.25" |
Aircraft #61-7958 rolled off the assembly line on July 22nd, 1965 and was delivered to the US Air Force later that year. In July 1976, as part of the US Bicentennial celebrations, the aircraft took part in Operation "Glowing Speed", an attempt to regain absolute speed and altitude records which then belonged to the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat. On July 27th, 1976, #958 set a new 1000km Closed Course speed record of 2,092 mph. Then on July 28th, #958 set the world absolute speed record of 2,193 mph. This record still stands as the fastest speed recorded by a manned airbreathing jet. This particular model depicts the aircraft as it appeared in 1990, while stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California. At that time, it featured a unique white habu snake painted on its tail. #958 was retired from service in 1990 and flown to the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia where it is currently on display.
Designed as a long-range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, The Lockheed SR-71 first flew on December 22, 1964. Nicknamed "The Blackbird," this highly-advanced aircraft was believed by many to be ahead of its time. It was capable of mach 3 and still holds the record for the fastest "air breathing manned aircraft" in the world. Its speed and ability to operate at high altitudes served as a defensive feature; when attacked by surface-to-air missiles, the pilot needed only to accelerate to avoid being struck. Only 32 SR-71's were operated during its 34-year service history, and though 12 were destroyed in accidents none were lost to enemy attack. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Century Wings' 1:72 scale SR-71 includes the mission-capable SR-71A and training SR-71B variants. The models are constructed almost entirely of metal with only the smallest amount of plastic used in the manufacturing process. Crisply detailed panel lines and ultra-thin metal rudders and edges surround the airframe to reproduce this eye-catching speed demon. The sharply pointed shock cones protruding from the engine nacelles and the afterburner detail at the rear of the engine are accurately reproduced, and the correctly detailed set of landing gear and doors have been included as robust sub-assemblies that allow for quick and easy configuration for ground or in-flight display.
© Copyright 2003-2022 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Century Wings "1:72 Wings of Heroes" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Century Wings 1:72 diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed removable pilot and crew figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
