Lockheed A-12 Oxcart CIA USAF

General Product Description

Our PlaneArt Lockheed A-12 Oxcart CIA USAF model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Lockheed A-12 Oxcart CIA USAF model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful, finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast or avid military jet aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual real life version.

There are many types of military jet aircraft, but the basic types are bombers, fighters, fighter bombers, spotter planes, transporters, patrol aircraft, trainers, and reconnaissance and observation aircraft. All these types of aircraft are used for different types of missions. If you're a fan of historic or present-day military aviation, our model aircraft will bring the excitement and character of these aircraft right into your own home.

If you require, we can also make the Lockheed A-12 Oxcart CIA USAF model in any other military, government or even private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary, in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military propeller, warplane jets, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimps, dirigibles, blimps, boats, and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Lockheed A-12 Oxcart: A Pioneering Achievement of the CIA and USAF

The Lockheed A-12 Oxcart represents one of the most secretive yet fascinating chapters in the annals of American aerospace technology. Developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s by Lockheed’s legendary Skunk Works division, led by the visionary Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the A-12 was designed primarily for reconnaissance missions over hostile territories during the Cold War.

Origin and Development:

The inception of the A-12 Oxcart program was driven by the need for a reconnaissance aircraft that could operate at high altitudes and speeds to evade interception by Soviet fighters and missiles. This requirement emerged after the Soviet Union shot down a U-2 spy plane in 1960, revealing the vulnerability of existing surveillance aircraft.

The A-12 was built around two key design elements: speed and stealth. Its titanium airframe and unique arch-shaped fuselage were designed to minimize radar detection, while its Pratt & Whitney J58 engines enabled speeds exceeding Mach 3.2. Such innovations made the A-12 one of the fastest planes ever built.

Operational History:

The A-12 first flew in 1962 and entered service with the CIA in 1967. It was operated under the code name “Oxcart,” a moniker as mysterious as the missions it flew. The A-12’s operational history is marked by reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam and North Korea, among other locations. Despite the immense risks involved, the aircraft performed spectacularly, gathering vital intelligence that was previously out of reach.

The A-12 program remained a closely guarded secret until it was publicly acknowledged in the 1990s. By then, it had already been retired, having been succeeded by the more famous SR-71 Blackbird, which was developed from the A-12 and shared many of its technological advancements.

Legacy and Impact:

The legacy of the A-12 Oxcart extends beyond its technical achievements. It represented a significant leap in aerospace technology and reconnaissance capabilities, setting a standard for future aircraft designs. The development of the A-12 also demonstrated the remarkable capabilities of American engineering and the effectiveness of the CIA and USAF in addressing national security challenges during a tense period of the Cold War.

Today, several A-12 aircraft are on display in museums across the United States, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of Cold War-era aerospace development. These museums not only celebrate the technical achievements of the A-12 but also honor the pilots who dared to operate at the edge of space and speed, contributing silently but significantly to national security.

In conclusion, the Lockheed A-12 Oxcart remains a symbol of American innovation and a cornerstone in the history of espionage and aerial reconnaissance. Its development is a reminder of the lengths nations will go to protect their interests and the silent warriors who operate in the shadows to ensure their country’s safety and security.