Airplane USAF Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Long-Range Strategic Bomber 20.25" Model Aircraft The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. During reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outrun the missile. The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. Although 12 of the 32 aircraft built were destroyed in accidents, none was lost to enemy action. The SR-71 was unofficially named the Blackbird. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12.
WINGSPAN: 9 1/4 INCHES
LENGTH: 18 INCHES
SCALE: 1/63
