SR-71
Photograph Signed by Colonel Richard Graham, Blackbird Pilot! MINT!
A
Vietnam combat veteran with 210 missions logged, Colonel Richard Graham is also
a veteran of 15 years of assignments within the SR-71 community. He began flying the Blackbird in 1978 and
would eventually rise to be an instructor pilot and commander of the 9th
Strategic Reconnaissance Wing which housed not only the Blackbirds but also
U-2’s and KC-135 tankers.
The
SR-71 was one of the most remarkable jet aircraft in the world. As a
reconnaissance platform, the Blackbird was unmatched and untouchable. Capable
of Mach 3 plus speeds at altitudes of 80,000 feet, no enemy air defense could
touch this airplane. Though it flew for over a decade above some of the most
hostile airspace in the world, no Blackbird was ever lost to enemy fire. Only 32 of these titanium beauties were ever
built and 12 were lost due to accidents.
Over 4,000 missiles were fired at the SR-71 but the evasive tactic was to fly faster until the missile exhausted its fuel. Designed by Johnson’s team of engineers in a
world of blueprints and slide rules, the SR-71 remains the apex (and the
fastest) of jet technology to this day. During its day, the most dangerous airplane in the world didn't drop bombs or fire missiles, it shot photographs!
Item
is an 8 x 10” color photograph of the SR-71 in its flat profile view. Colonel Graham has signed and inscribed the
photo “Rich Graham SR-71 Pilot, Keep the Mach Up!" The photograph
is in mint condition. Col. Graham was one of only 86 SR operational pilot.
Bid
with confidence, I am a proud member of the Universal Autograph Collector’s
Club or UACC (and published, see May-June 2004 of the Pen and Quill, UACC’s
bi-monthly publication). I abide by their strict code of ethics. Check out my
feedback, over 7000 satisfied buyers and counting! Your money, including return
postage costs, is cheerfully refunded if you are not TOTALLY satisfied with the
item. Please have a look at my other auctions, I add to them every day.
Shipping
Information:
I
don’t like paying shipping any more than you do. In reality I only break even
or oftentimes lose money with every item that I ship. But that is my commitment
to my buyers for safe, secure and inexpensive shipping. I will happily combine
shipping for multiple purchases. Photographs are triple protected placed inside
a plastic cover, sandwiched in a manila folder and packed between two stiff
cardboards. The outside of the package is marked clearly DO NOT BEND! First
class S&H is $4 domestic; international rates are $15.00 for 1st class
global--my cost for overseas shipping. Thanks for visiting my auction and
good luck with your bidding!
Bill
Ownbey