General Product Description

Our PlaneArt Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird 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 SR-71 Blackbird 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 SR-71 Blackbird 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 SR-71 Blackbird: An Icon of Aerial Reconnaissance

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird remains one of the most admired aircraft in the annals of military aviation. Developed in the 1960s by Lockheed’s Skunk Works division under the guidance of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the SR-71 was designed for high-altitude, high-speed reconnaissance missions over hostile territories during the Cold War. This aircraft not only broke speed and altitude records but also became a symbol of American ingenuity and aeronautic prowess. Here we delve into the crucial features that set the SR-71 apart.

Revolutionary Design and Materials:

The SR-71’s distinctive appearance, characterized by its long, sleek fuselage and delta wings, was dictated by its need for speed and stealth. The aircraft was made primarily from titanium, which was essential due to the extreme temperatures generated by its high-speed flight. Titanium, which constituted about 85% of the SR-71’s structure, was sourced from the Soviet Union, ironically the very nation over which the Blackbird often flew espionage missions.

To minimize radar detection, the aircraft featured radar-absorbing materials and its surfaces were designed to deflect radar signals. The dark black paint, which gave the Blackbird its name, helped radiate heat away and also added to its stealth capabilities.

Performance and Capabilities:

The SR-71 was unrivaled in performance. It could reach speeds of Mach 3.2 (approximately 2,200 miles per hour) and operate at altitudes of 85,000 feet or higher. Such capabilities allowed it to outrun threats, including surface-to-air missiles and enemy fighters. The Blackbird’s Pratt & Whitney J58 engines were unique hybrids that functioned as both jet turbines and ramjets, a necessity for sustaining such high speeds.

Avionics and Surveillance Equipment:

Equipped with sophisticated cameras and sensors, the SR-71 conducted surveillance with unparalleled efficiency. Its cameras could capture fine details from the edge of space, and its sensors gathered electronic intelligence and signal data across vast distances. This made the Blackbird an invaluable asset during the Cold War for monitoring missile activities and gathering other critical intelligence.

Operational History and Legacy:

The SR-71’s operational history is marked by several notable achievements. Despite its capabilities, the SR-71 was an expensive platform to maintain. Its missions were highly classified, and the aircraft required intensive maintenance. In 1990, the SR-71 was retired by the U.S. Air Force, largely due to shifts in political priorities and advancements in reconnaissance technology, such as satellites.

Today, the legacy of the SR-71 Blackbird lives on in museums across the United States and in the lessons it provided in aerospace engineering and strategic reconnaissance. Its development spurred numerous technological advancements in materials science, aviation fuels, and aircraft systems. The SR-71 remains a symbol of American engineering excellence and a benchmark in aircraft performance that is yet to be surpassed.