Century Wings 1:72 Wings of Heroes 782952
Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Diecast Model
USAF 9th SRW, #61-7967, Beale AFB, CA, 1997 | Limited Edition
1000
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird | | 17.75" | | 9.25" |
The US Air Force 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing was established at Fairfield-Suisun AFB, California on April 25th, 1949. After flying a wide variety of reconnaissance aircraft, including the RB-17, RB-29 and B-36, the Squadron was equipped with the legendary SR-71 Blackbird in 1966 shortly after moving to its present day home of Beale AFB, California. Its west-coast location provided an ideal launching point for many long-distance SR-71 missions over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Wing eventually retired the SR-71 but, incredibly, the Air Force decided to re-activate three SR-71s in the late 1990s due to increasing tensions in the Middle East and North Korea. Aircraft #61-7967 was the second Blackbird to be returned to active duty but the re-activation was short-lived. The SR-71 program was permanently brought to an end in 1998 and #61-7967 is currently on display at the 8th Air Force Museum at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.
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 2003-2013 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.
