Historical: 

Aircraft #61-7980 first flew on 25 September 1967. It deployed overseas numerous with the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing with it's final deployment being to RAF Mildenhall in England. During that stay, it received this dartboard tail-art depicted on this particular model. In 1990 it had a change of ownership when it was handed over to NASA for use in its high-speed research programs. This SR-71 holds the distinction of being the last SR-71 to fly, an event that took place in October, 1999. This aircraft is currently on display inside the main gate at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB, California.

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.

Info: SR-71A Blackbird - USAF 9th SRW, #61-7980, RAF Mildenhall, England, 1990