Century Wings CW001634 1:72 Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird 61-7971 USAF 9th RW Det.2 Edwards AFB 1997

An exceptionally imposing and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird 61-7971, operated by the United States Air Force's 9th Reconnaissance Wing Detachment 2 from Edwards Air Force Base during 1997. Released within the Century Wings Wings of Heroes range under model code 001634, this substantial collector model was produced as a limited edition of only 800 pieces worldwide.

Aircraft 61-7971, construction number 2022, became one of the comparatively small number of Blackbirds to experience both United States Air Force and NASA service. The aircraft first flew during November 1966 and subsequently served within the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, the principal operational organisation associated with the SR-71.

Following the initial retirement of the USAF SR-71 fleet in 1990, 61-7971 was transferred to NASA for high-speed and high-altitude research. Its military markings were replaced by NASA markings and the aircraft was assigned the NASA identification 832.

During the mid-1990s, a small number of SR-71s were returned to United States Air Force service. 61-7971 was selected for reactivation and underwent refurbishment before returning to USAF inventory, once again exchanging its NASA presentation for operational military markings.

Century Wings represents the aircraft during this unusual late-career period at Edwards Air Force Base in 1997. Contemporary photographs confirm 61-7971 operating with 9th Reconnaissance Wing Detachment 2 and appearing at the Edwards AFB Open House in October of that year.

The aircraft carries the Blackbird's famous overall black finish with subdued United States Air Force insignia and the red-bordered maintenance and warning markings which contrast subtly against the dark airframe. The vertical fins carry the distinctive red “BB” Beale Bandits markings associated with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing.

Designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works under the direction of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the SR-71 remains one of the most extraordinary aircraft ever placed into operational service. Its titanium-intensive construction, powerful Pratt & Whitney J58 engines and highly distinctive chines allowed the aircraft to cruise at sustained speeds exceeding Mach 3 while operating at extreme altitude.

Rather than carrying weapons, the SR-71 relied on altitude, speed and sophisticated electronic systems for survival. Intelligence sensors carried within the aircraft allowed it to gather imagery and electronic information across enormous areas while remaining extremely difficult for contemporary interceptors and surface-to-air missiles to engage.

During more than three decades of operational use, the Blackbird established numerous speed and altitude records and became one of the defining reconnaissance aircraft of the Cold War. Despite repeated attempts to intercept it during operational missions, no SR-71 was lost to hostile action.

61-7971 completed its final flight on 30th September 1997 with approximately 3,512.5 flying hours accumulated during its career. The surviving aircraft was subsequently preserved and today remains an important example of both operational USAF and NASA Blackbird history.

Century Wings' large 1:72 SR-71 tooling gives the aircraft exceptional display presence. The model is constructed predominantly from diecast metal and features finely reproduced panel lines, ultra-thin metal rudders and leading edges, accurately shaped engine nacelles and afterburner sections, detailed landing gear and interchangeable components allowing either ground or in-flight display.

Limited to only 800 pieces worldwide, 001634 is one of the lower-production Century Wings Blackbird releases. Its combination of the imposing 1:72 scale, the unusual 1997 reactivated USAF configuration and the remarkable history of aircraft 61-7971 makes it a particularly desirable release for collectors of the SR-71 and Cold War reconnaissance aircraft.

Fact Sheet

Dimensions

Model Condition - Good (6/10)

Underside & Paintwork

• Likely glue residue is present on the underside of the aircraft.
• A patch of missing paint is also present on the underside, exposing the silver finish beneath.

Possible Repair

• There is a small panel gap between the engine sections on one side, which may suggest that the model has previously had a repair in this area.
• We believe the aircraft may possibly have fallen from its stand at some point, although there is no clear visible evidence showing exactly where a repair has been made.
• This is therefore noted as a possibility rather than a confirmed repair.

Overall

• No other notable defects are present and the model still displays very well overall.
• The model comes complete with landing gear accessories, closed undercarriage accessories, a spare pitot piece, certificate and stand.

Box condition - Very Good (7/10)

• The box is in very good condition overall.
• A crease is present along the top of the front face.
• Wear is present to the edges and corners of the sides and back.

Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.

Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.