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COBI Update + Model of the Month: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
Hello and welcome to another busy BrickTanks blog!
Before I launch into the Model of the Month feature, let's start with a COBI update. Last week's order was expected this week, but has been held up in transit. It will hopefully arrive Monday. With more exciting new kits released in Poland earlier this week, we have yet another delivery on the way which includes two much-anticipated Executive Editions: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the V2 Rocket on Meiller vehicle (see August's Model of the Month for more on that), plus the last of the discontinued COBI-5725 Spitfires (see below for details).
COBI Christmas Collection
In more good news, COBI has announced they will be producing a limited number of extra Christmas Nativity sets for the UK which we can order. You can now pre-order yours and they should arrive in stock early November. We also have some updated images for the Christmas tree decorations - click on the collection link below for details.
Before I launch into the Model of the Month feature, let's start with a COBI update. Last week's order was expected this week, but has been held up in transit. It will hopefully arrive Monday. With more exciting new kits released in Poland earlier this week, we have yet another delivery on the way which includes two much-anticipated Executive Editions: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the V2 Rocket on Meiller vehicle (see August's Model of the Month for more on that), plus the last of the discontinued COBI-5725 Spitfires (see below for details).
COBI Christmas Collection
In more good news, COBI has announced they will be producing a limited number of extra Christmas Nativity sets for the UK which we can order. You can now pre-order yours and they should arrive in stock early November. We also have some updated images for the Christmas tree decorations - click on the collection link below for details.
Check out below what's on the delayed COBI delivery, now due early next week. Plus new and notable kits (hopefully) due in stock towards the end of next week.
Have a great weekend.
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
Have a great weekend.
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
Arriving imminently!
Back-orders arriving imminently - Highlights
Full Backorder Collection
New and notable kits on the way
Due to arrive in stock: 16th - 21st October.
BRICK MODEL OF THE MONTH: Executive Edition
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is an aviation icon, representing the pinnacle of Cold War-era aerospace engineering. Designed and developed by Lockheed’s Skunk Works division, this high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft served as a vital tool for gathering intelligence during some of the tensest moments of the 20th century. Known for its sleek, futuristic design and unmatched performance, the SR-71 still holds several records, including the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft in history. Let's explore what makes this remarkable plane such a significant part of aviation history.
Origins and Development
The SR-71’s story begins in the late 1950s when the United States government sought a successor to the U-2 spy plane. The U-2, though effective, was vulnerable to surface-to-air missiles, as proven by the infamous downing of pilot Francis Gary Powers in 1960. A faster, higher-flying reconnaissance aircraft was needed to evade enemy defenses, leading to the birth of the SR-71.
The development of the Blackbird was spearheaded by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, the legendary aerospace engineer behind many of Lockheed's groundbreaking aircraft. Under the umbrella of the Skunk Works, Lockheed’s secretive division, the SR-71 project pushed the limits of technology and design. The aircraft was based on the earlier A-12, an experimental aircraft built under CIA direction, but with enhanced capabilities and additional sensors.
A Record-Breaking Design
One of the most distinctive features of the SR-71 is its unique, almost sci-fi appearance. With its long fuselage, sharp angles, and wide wingspan, the aircraft was designed to slice through the atmosphere at astonishing speeds. Made predominantly from titanium, a material chosen for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, the Blackbird could fly at speeds exceeding Mach 3 (over 2,000 mph) and altitudes of 85,000 feet.
What’s particularly impressive about the SR-71 is how it managed to achieve these extraordinary feats. The engines, Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojets, were revolutionary for their time. As the plane accelerated, these engines transitioned from jet engines into more efficient ramjets, allowing the Blackbird to cruise at speeds that would melt conventional aircraft.
To complement its high-speed design, the SR-71 featured cutting-edge stealth technology for its time. Its shape, along with radar-absorbing materials, helped reduce its radar signature, making it more difficult to detect by enemy air defense systems. Despite flying faster and higher than any potential interceptor, this stealth capability added an extra layer of security during reconnaissance missions.
Operation and Role
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service in 1966, operating with both the United States Air Force and NASA. Its primary role was to provide high-altitude reconnaissance, collecting crucial intelligence in hostile territories without the risk of being shot down. It flew missions over regions such as Vietnam, North Korea, and the Soviet Union, though it was never officially confirmed to have entered Soviet airspace.
Despite its spy plane role, the SR-71 was entirely unarmed. It relied solely on its speed and altitude to evade threats. In fact, no SR-71 was ever lost to enemy action during its operational life, a testament to its incredible performance. If a missile launch was detected, the standard response was simply to accelerate and outpace it.
Piloting the SR-71 was no small feat. With extreme speeds and altitudes came unique challenges, including temperature management, fuel consumption, and even pilot safety. Special pressurized suits were worn by the crew to survive the high-altitude conditions, similar to what astronauts would wear.
End of Service and Legacy
Despite its unmatched capabilities, the SR-71 was retired from service in 1998, largely due to the high cost of operation and the rise of satellite technology, which offered similar reconnaissance capabilities without the need for human pilots. However, even after its retirement, no aircraft has surpassed the Blackbird in speed or altitude for manned flight.
The legacy of the SR-71 Blackbird lives on, not just as a piece of military hardware but as a symbol of human ingenuity. Its records still stand, and it remains one of the most celebrated aircraft in aviation history. Enthusiasts and experts alike continue to marvel at its design and capabilities, and retired Blackbirds are now displayed in museums around the world, where they inspire future generations of aerospace engineers.