{"product_id":"academy-1-72-lockheed-sr-71-blackbird-12448-usaf-mach-3-supersonic-strategic-reconnaissance-spy-plane-cold-war-aircraft-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","title":"Academy 1\/72 Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird 12448 USAF Mach 3 Supersonic Strategic Reconnaissance Spy Plane Cold War Aircraft Plastic Model Kit NZ Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003e• 1\/72 scale Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird plastic model kit by Academy (Kit No. 12448)\u003cbr\u003e• Represents the legendary Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, one of the fastest and most advanced military aircraft ever built\u003cbr\u003e• Developed by Lockheed's famous Skunk Works division under the leadership of aircraft designer Clarence \"Kelly\" Johnson\u003cbr\u003e• Designed as a high-altitude, long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft for the United States Air Force (USAF)\u003cbr\u003e• First flew on 22 December 1964 and entered operational service in 1966\u003cbr\u003e• Became an iconic symbol of Cold War aviation, American aerospace engineering and high-speed reconnaissance technology\u003cbr\u003e• Features the distinctive long, slender fuselage, sharply swept delta wings, twin engine nacelles and twin inward-canted vertical stabilisers\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft's unique black finish helped manage thermal radiation and contributed to its famous Blackbird nickname\u003cbr\u003e• Powered by two Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney J58 (JT11D-20) afterburning turbojet engines\u003cbr\u003e• Each engine produced approximately 32,500 pounds of thrust with afterburner\u003cbr\u003e• The J58 propulsion system incorporated sophisticated inlet and bypass arrangements to support sustained flight above Mach 3\u003cbr\u003e• Capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 3.2, equivalent to more than 3,500km\/h at high altitude\u003cbr\u003e• Designed to operate at altitudes above 80,000 feet (24,000 metres)\u003cbr\u003e• Its extraordinary speed and altitude made the SR-71 exceptionally difficult for hostile aircraft and surface-to-air missiles to intercept\u003cbr\u003e• The Blackbird remains the holder of several recognised speed and altitude records for crewed jet aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• On 28 July 1976, an SR-71 established an official absolute speed record of 3,529.56km\/h\u003cbr\u003e• Built using extensive amounts of titanium alloy to withstand the extreme temperatures generated during sustained supersonic flight\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft's outer surfaces could reach several hundred degrees Celsius during high-speed operations\u003cbr\u003e• Specialised fuel, hydraulic fluids and construction techniques were required to operate under these extreme conditions\u003cbr\u003e• Equipped with advanced reconnaissance systems, including high-resolution cameras, electronic intelligence sensors and radar equipment, depending on mission configuration\u003cbr\u003e• Designed to collect intelligence over large geographical areas without engaging in combat\u003cbr\u003e• Operated by a two-person crew, consisting of a pilot and a reconnaissance systems officer (RSO)\u003cbr\u003e• Both crew members wore specialised full-pressure flight suits for protection during high-altitude operations\u003cbr\u003e• The SR-71 was developed from Lockheed's earlier A-12 reconnaissance aircraft, which had been designed for the CIA\u003cbr\u003e• The Blackbird family also included the YF-12 interceptor prototype and other specialised high-speed aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• The SR-71 featured a sophisticated variable-geometry engine inlet system to manage airflow at supersonic speeds\u003cbr\u003e• Its distinctive fuselage chines contributed to aerodynamic performance and reduced radar visibility\u003cbr\u003e• Although not a modern stealth aircraft, the SR-71 incorporated several early radar signature reduction techniques\u003cbr\u003e• The Blackbird conducted strategic reconnaissance missions during major Cold War events and international crises\u003cbr\u003e• Operated from important military installations including Beale Air Force Base, Kadena Air Base and RAF Mildenhall\u003cbr\u003e• Frequently flew reconnaissance missions over international waters near strategically important regions\u003cbr\u003e• The aircraft's exceptional speed allowed it to cover vast distances in remarkably short periods\u003cbr\u003e• The SR-71 required specialised ground support, maintenance procedures and aerial refuelling capabilities\u003cbr\u003e• Commonly supported by specially modified KC-135Q aerial refuelling tankers\u003cbr\u003e• Used specialised JP-7 fuel, developed to meet the demanding thermal requirements of high-speed flight\u003cbr\u003e• The SR-71 was retired from operational USAF service in 1998, with NASA continuing to use Blackbirds for research until 1999\u003cbr\u003e• Only 32 SR-71 aircraft were built, making surviving examples particularly significant aviation museum exhibits\u003cbr\u003e• The SR-71 remains one of the most recognisable aircraft in aviation history\u003cbr\u003e• Its futuristic design and extraordinary performance continue to inspire aviation enthusiasts and aerospace engineers worldwide\u003cbr\u003e• Represents an important chapter in Cold War intelligence gathering, supersonic flight and advanced American aircraft development\u003cbr\u003e• The original aircraft measured approximately 32.74 metres in length with a wingspan of approximately 16.94 metres\u003cbr\u003e• At 1\/72 scale, these dimensions translate to an approximate model length of 45.5cm and wingspan of 23.5cm\u003cbr\u003e• 1\/72 scale provides an impressive display size, particularly due to the Blackbird's unusually long fuselage\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for collectors of USAF aircraft, Lockheed Skunk Works designs, Cold War spy planes and supersonic military jets\u003cbr\u003e• Excellent companion to Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady, A-12 Oxcart, YF-12, F-117 Nighthawk and other American reconnaissance aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for Cold War airbase displays, USAF reconnaissance aircraft collections and aerospace technology exhibits\u003cbr\u003e• Offers excellent opportunities for recreating the SR-71's distinctive overall black finish with subtle variations in surface tone\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for realistic panel line washes, heat staining, restrained paint fading, metallic exhaust finishes and operational weathering\u003cbr\u003e• The Blackbird's large dark surfaces provide an excellent opportunity to practise subtle black paint modulation and highlighting techniques\u003cbr\u003e• The distinctive engine nacelles, chines and twin vertical stabilisers make the SR-71 a visually striking display model\u003cbr\u003e• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of Mach 3 aircraft, military reconnaissance, experimental aviation and American aerospace history\u003cbr\u003e• A spectacular addition to any collection of Academy aircraft models, Cold War military jets and legendary aviation designs\u003cbr\u003e• Brand: Academy\u003cbr\u003e• Kit Number: 12448\u003cbr\u003e• Scale: 1\/72\u003cbr\u003e• Subject: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird\u003cbr\u003e• Aircraft Type: Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft\u003cbr\u003e• Operator: United States Air Force (USAF)\u003cbr\u003e• Historical Period: Cold War\u003cbr\u003e• Engines: Two Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney J58 Turbojets\u003cbr\u003e• Maximum Speed: Mach 3.2+\u003cbr\u003e• Category: Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit\u003cbr\u003e• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled\u003cbr\u003e• Glue and paint not included\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended for modellers aged 14+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52369962369270,"sku":"12448","price":55.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/3227\/7238\/files\/12448.jpg?v=1794384407","url":"https:\/\/www.imaginefleet.co.nz\/products\/academy-1-72-lockheed-sr-71-blackbird-12448-usaf-mach-3-supersonic-strategic-reconnaissance-spy-plane-cold-war-aircraft-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","provider":"Imaginefleet Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}