1:72 Scale Metal
Diecast – Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird - Maj Terry Pappas Signature Series –
Length: 17.75" Wingspan:9.25”
This model is part of a Signature Series from Air Force 1. It comes with a metal plate signed (by marker pen) by SR-71 pilot, Major Terry Pappas.
This Blackbird model has a cockpit that can open and close. A pilot figure is included in the cockpit. The model has an optional positioned landing gear, which can be posed in the retracted or extended positions.
The box includes a metal stand where the model can be attached for display. The stand is made entirely of metal, it is very sturdy and it is actually held together by a nut/screw assembly. The wheels can roll freely and are quite smooth (so be careful where you put this thing, or it could roll downhill). The fuselage is all metal and really quite heavy.
The photos don't really make justice to how impressive this model really is. Spy - Stealth - low profile planes are quite hard to photograph (and make to look good) because of their reduced cross section, at 1/72 scale this model measures just about 18 inches long and has a wingspan of about 9/25 inches wide.
The maker of the model, Air Force 1, really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very crisp and one can see the little dots that represent the rivets holding down the panels.
This
is really a "no-play" model or a "display-only" model. It
is mostly metal and very heavy. It also has a number of antennas which look
great but are very fragile. If you have small kids that like to play with your
models, save yourself some frustration (and money) and wait till later to get a
model like this one. The box is labeled as not suitable for children under 14.
The box is 18 inches long by 10 inches wide by 3.5 inches high and looks like a little suitcase (it has a little plastic handle).
The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force.[1] It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. Renowned American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During aerial 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 outfly the missile.[2] The SR-71 was designed to have basic stealth characteristics and served as a precursor to future stealth aircraft.
The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents and none lost to enemy action.[3][4] The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, includingBlackbird and Habu.[5] It has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976; this record was previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12.