Hobby Master 1/72 SR-71A Blackbird 17958 USAF Beale AFB 28 July 1976 World Absolute Speed Record Holder

On July 28, 1976, Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird serial number 61-7958 set the absolute world speed record for an air-breathing, manned jet aircraft, a record that still stands today. Flown by Capt. Eldon W. Joersz with Maj. George T. Morgan Jr. serving as Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO), the Blackbird averaged 2,193.167 mph (3,529.56 km/h, Mach 3.32) over a 15/25-kilometer straight course at Beale Air Force Base, California. The record surpassed the previous mark held by the Lockheed YF-12A and highlighted the extraordinary performance of the SR-71's twin Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet/ramjet engines. The day before, the same aircraft also established a 1,000-kilometer closed-circuit speed record.

During these runs, 61-7958 had a large white cross temporarily painted on its undeside to act as an optical reference point for ground-based tracking cameras. The markings made it significantly easier for ground observers and tracking lenses to pinpoint the exact attitude, orientation, and location of the aircraft when it was zooming overhead at speeds over Mach 3 and altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet.

More than 50 years later, 61-7958 remains the fastest manned air-breathing jet ever officially recorded and is preserved at the Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.

Features

• 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.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.