SR-71A Blackbird Scale Model (Free Shipping)

Item#: CS71TS

MSRP Price: $211.95

Factory Direct Price: $149.95

Wing Span: 16.5"
Length: 12.25"

Manufacturer: Lockheed Skunk Works

FREE SHIPPING within the U.S. (additional rates apply for other destinations)

Introducing Factory Direct Models SR-71 Blackbird Model Airplane, This Model Airplane Replica was hand crafted with absolute precision using the finest Philippine Mahogany. Working from our library of blueprints, reference materials and their photographs, Factory Direct Models master artisans recreated this historic military warplane into an incredibly desktop display model.

Please note that the stand shown in this photograph may vary or change with the model you receive.

We also make Custom Made Airplane Models to meet your specifications with the capability to include your company logo and inscribed inscription plaque to make your model a personalized work of art. If you would like personalized Custom Model Model Please Call (866) 580-8727.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird History:

The Lockheed SR-71 was designed for the CIA by Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. It is an advanced, long-range, Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was basically developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft by the Lockheed Skunk Works as a Black Project. The SR-71 was unofficially named the Blackbird, however the great crews that flew the aircraft called it the Habu, named after the aircraft was seen at the Kadena A.F. B. in Okinawa, Okinawa because it looked like the extremely venomous viper so common to the island. Kelly thought a re-con aircraft needed an evasive maneuver should it come under attack from surface to air missiles. The SR-71 has a simple avoidance system, if a surface to air missile was detected by the aircraft advance warning system simply accelerate away from the threat. The SR-71 was capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.

Thirty two SR-71 aircraft were built by Lockheed of which 12 were destroyed though none were lost to enemy action. The aircraft remained in service from 1964 to 1998. The SR-71 is a derivative of the A-1 which was also designed by Clarence Johnson at the insistence of the CIA. The aircraft was originally called the Article. Design changes brought the aircraft through the A-12 prior to becoming the Sr-71. Most of the design changes were attempts to reduce the radar cross section of the aircraft.

The engine choice of the first flight by an A-12 known as "Article 121" was performed with two Pratt and Whitney J58 engines. The original specification called for more power so as test flights continued Pratt and Whitney continued development on the more powerful engine, the J75. This became the standard engine for all the SR-71’s.

During the 1964 campaign, Barry Goldwater continually criticized President Lyndon B. Johnson and his administration for not keeping pace with the Soviet Union in the research and development of new weapons systems. Johnson decided to counter this criticism by announcing the YF-12A Air Force interceptor (which also served as cover for the still-secret A-12) and, on 25 July 1964, the Air Force reconnaissance model. Air Force Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay preferred the SR (Strategic Reconnaissance) designation and wanted the RS-71 to be named SR-71. Before the July speech, LeMay lobbied to modify Johnson's speech to read SR-71 instead of RS-71. The media transcript given to the press at the time still had the earlier RS-71 designation in places, creating the myth that the president had misread the aircraft's designation.

The President’s speech caused a dilemma for the Skunk Works as all the printed material, maintenance manuals, flight manuals and flight crew handbook referred to the aircraft as the RS-71. After President Johnson’s speech the name change was taken as an order from the Commander-in-Chief and all the publications were changed to read SR-71. The legend was started.