USAF  9TH SRW, 17974 "ICHI BAN" SR-71 BLACKBIRD

 Few aircraft are as instantly recognizable as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and Century Wings have reproduced the stunning lines of this aircraft perfectly in 1:72 scale. With Century Wings' usual degree of exceptional detail and accuracy, this model is absolute "must have" for any diecast aircraft collection.

The Lockheed SR-71 was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft by the Lockheed Skunk Works. The SR-71 was unofficially named the Blackbird, and called the Habu by its crews. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. A defensive feature of the aircraft was its high speed and operating altitude, whereby, if a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, standard evasive action was simply to accelerate. The SR-71 line was in service from 1964 to 1998, with 12 of the 32 aircraft being destroyed in accidents, though none were lost to enemy action.

Aircraft #61-7974 has the unfortunate distinction of being the last SR-71 to be lost, ending an 18 year accident-free streak for its type; the longest of any USAF aircraft. The accident occurred on April 21st, 1989 when the right engine exploded after take-off from Kadena, severing hydraulic lines and disabling flight controls. After an initial attempt to regain control of the aircraft for a single-engine emergency landing, the crew were forced to eject, leaving the crippled aircraft to crash off the coast of Luzon in the Philippines.

Limited Edition of 3000 pieces worldwide.

Historical Note:    LOCKHEED MARTIN SR-71 BLACKBIRD - USAF 9th SRW, 17974 "Ichi Ban", Kadena AFB, Japan, 1989
Scale:  1:72
Size:    Lgth: 17.75 in.,  Wingspan: 9.25 in.

Item Number:   CW-655058 

SOLD OUT - SORRY!

The Century Wings "1:72 Wings of Heroes" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Highly collectible, Century Wings models are setting a new standard in 1:72 diecast for detail and accuracy.

Century Wings diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed removeable pilots and crew members.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.