Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HC1301
Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Diecast Model
USAF 9th SRW, #61-7958, Beale AFB, CA, World Speed Record July 1976 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird | | 17.75" | | 9.25" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of January 2027.- Orders may not ship until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Arrival dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
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On July 28, 1976, Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird serial number 61-7958 set the absolute world speed record for an air-breathing, manned jet aircraft, a record that still stands today. Flown by Capt. Eldon W. Joersz with Maj. George T. Morgan Jr. serving as Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO), the Blackbird averaged 2,193.167 mph (3,529.56 km/h, Mach 3.32) over a 15/25-kilometer straight course at Beale Air Force Base, California. The record surpassed the previous mark held by the Lockheed YF-12A and highlighted the extraordinary performance of the SR-71's twin Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet/ramjet engines. The day before, the same aircraft also established a 1,000-kilometer closed-circuit speed record.
During these runs, 61-7958 had a large white cross temporarily painted on its undeside to act as an optical reference point for ground-based tracking cameras. The markings made it significantly easier for ground observers and tracking lenses to pinpoint the exact attitude, orientation, and location of the aircraft when it was zooming overhead at speeds over Mach 3 and altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet.
More than 50 years later, 61-7958 remains the fastest manned air-breathing jet ever officially recorded and is preserved at the Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
