AIR FORCE 1 1/72 USAF United States Air Force Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird 61-7960 (AF1-0088F)
$239.00 (Ex Tax: $217.27)
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Up for sale is a brand new 1/72 USAF United States Air Force Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird 61-7960 (AF1-0088F) by Air Force 1.
The Blackbird evolved from the single seat A-12. This A-12 was flown by the CIA and was almost identical to the SR-71. The SR-71 was developed by Lockheed’s ” Skunk Works” in the early 60’s by key designer “Kelly” Johnson. The first aircraft was delivered to SAC in 1964.
The SR-71’s mission was reconnaissance and it carried no armament. It filled its role exceedingly well and, from 1964 until 1990, played a vital role in protecting US security. In any crisis, anywhere in the world and at any time, the crews and maintainers of the Blackbird supported missions directed by the highest levels of our nation’s government. To this end, SR-71’s were based at Beale Air Force Base, California and at two forward operating locations in Okinawa and the United Kingdom.
Made of titanium, the SR-71 fuselage heats to 500 degrees during flight and elongates 6 inches. The SR-71 was capable of speeds of over three times the speed of sound and altitudes of over 85,000 feet, but these are just the published figures. The actual performance was greater in both categories. There were 32 SR-71’s built and in 26 years of service, no aircraft was ever lost to hostile fire, despite the fact that they were shot at over 1,000 times.
SR-71A #61-7960 is on display at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater, CA. Assembly of this aircraft started on 8 December 1964 and it rolled out on 20 September 1965. #960 first flew on 9 February 1966 and last flew on 27 February 1990 when it was brought to the museum following the first retirement of the SR-71. Over its career, #960 flew a total of 2669.6 hours. The aircraft on display at Castle, flew the most operational missions of any SR-71 and was the first to fly over Vietnam. It also flew photo reconnaissance support of Operation El Dorado Canyon, the April 1986 raid on Libya.
This model aeroplane is made from die-cast metal and plastic and include extensive detailing. It is similar in quality to Century Wings, Calibre Wings, Oxford, Hobbymaster and Forces of Valor.
Additional information
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30 × 30 × 12 cm |
| Length | 45.5cm |
| Wingspan | 23.5cm |
| Aircraft Family | Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird |
| Registration | 61-7960 |
| Brand | AIR FORCE 1 |
| Model Manufacturer | AIR FORCE 1 |
| Vehicle Manufacturer | Lockheed |
