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Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird – Night Hawk, 9th SRW, Beale AFB 1990

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1 in stock

£169.99

1 in stock

Century Wings 1/72 scale CW001623: Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird of the USAF 9th SRW, #61-7979 Night Hawk, 1990. Low Limited edition Production of only 800 pieces. There is a small indent on the box lid top right corner. Otherwise all new.

Length 17.75 inches Wingspan 9.25 inches

Aircraft #61-7979 first flew on August 10th, 1967. Over the next 23 years it flew missions with the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing from Beale AFB in California and Kadena AFB in Japan. In 1973 it flew six of the nine non-stop operational missions from the US to the Middle East to monitor the Yom Kippur war. Nearing the end of its career, the aircraft was briefly decorated with stunning “Night Hawk” artwork applied to the vertical stabilizers in chalk. #979 eventually logged 3321.7 flight hours, the fourth highest of the 32 SR-71s built. It was retired from service in 1990 and flown to the USAF Airman Heritage Museum at Lackland AFB, Texas where it is currently on display.

Designed as a long-range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft, The Lockheed SR-71 first flew on December 22, 1964. Nicknamed “The Blackbird,” this highly-advanced aircraft was believed by many to be ahead of its time. It was capable of mach 3 and still holds the record for the fastest “air breathing manned aircraft” in the world. Its speed and ability to operate at high altitudes served as a defensive feature; when attacked by surface-to-air missiles, the pilot needed only to accelerate to avoid being struck. Only 32 SR-71’s were operated during its 34-year service history, and though 12 were destroyed in accidents none were lost to enemy attack.

Sold By : Plane Store SKU: CW001623 Category:
Weight 2.2 kg