NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE..
The fastest, highest flying manned jet aircraft ever to take flight, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird aircraft had an outer skin which heated to temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees F. The effect of this was the strengthening of aircraft components with age.
Interestingly the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird fuselage shape and radar absorbing paint would make it hard to detect on radar were it not for its exhaust. The aircraft was never hit by missiles due to its speed, not stealth capabilities.
To better withstand high temperatures, the outer skin of the aircraft was made of titanium. Conventional aircraft usually have aluminum skins.
Due to extreme operating temperatures, the Blackbird lacked sealed fuel cells. The aircraft would seep fluids when cold. It would be fueled on the ground just sufficiently to be able to take off, warm up the air frame, and then meet with a refueling air tanker to take on sufficient fuel for its mission.
The first flight of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was on Dec.22, 1964. It became operational in March of 1968 and retired in 1998.
The aircraft used a special alloy of titanium that could be worked at lower temperatures to reduce costs.
Fuel was used for cooling the leading edge of the wings.
The shock wave from compression coming off of its nose flows into the engines, making them more efficient.
Movable cones, called "spikes" in front of the engine air inlets direct incoming air at maximized angles to achieve the greatest efficiency. A jack screw controlled by a computer actuates the spikes. A spike can move as much as 26 inches in total.
To reduce the pressures to the engines at high speeds, bleed holes and bypass doors were incorporated.
Chines, originally intended to lower the radar signature, were found to significantly increase lift. This aided in maneuverability and slowed landing speeds.
A corrugated titanium sheeting is used on the inner portions of the wings. It expands and contracts better than other materials used on conventional aircraft.
The unique engines used on the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird have a two stage design. Turbojet engines, inside of ram jets, enable the aircraft to fly at slower speeds.
The J58 engines can operate continuously on afterburner; the only military engines that were ever designed to do so.
Two 455 cid General Motors engines turning a single shaft were mounted on a cart and used to start the aircraft engines. The noise was deafening. This was eventually changed and the aircraft were later started with a conventional start cart adapted for the J58 engines.
ASARS (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System) were the high-resolution mapping systems used in all Blackbird aircraft.
The original designation of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was the Lockheed RS-71. That stood for reconnaissance/strike. However, the Air Force brass recommended changing the designation.
A total of 32 of the aircraft were manufactured. Accidents claimed 12 with no lives taken.
Pictured above is the 45" wing span twin EDF RC Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird sold by Nitro Planes.
StreetJet makes a 21" wing span single pusher prop radio control airplane of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
Altecare has a 29 1/2" w/s, 51" length single EDF rc Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
The first picture below is the scratch built Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird radio control airplane by Chris Good. It has a length of 91" and a weight of 30 lbs. Power comes from two O.S. 91 VR-DF engines with tuned pipes.
The next picture is of the rc Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird from JetCom. It has a wing span of 29 1/2" and a length of 57". For power you should use either a Wren 44 or EDF engine unit.
The last picture on this page is of the Fly Boy Models ARF Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird radio control airplane. Wing span is 38" and length is 47". You will need a .46 two stroke engine for power.
There are several mentions in RC Universe of a rc SR-71 Blackbird from Yellow Aircraft. The model appears to be a pusher prop. However, a check of the Yellow Aircraft site doesn't mention it.
We welcome your comments on radio control airplanes. If you have a favorite RC Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, or know of any that you can recommend, please email us.
Randy Myers of Easton, KS writes:
"I am very pleased with the GPI Models rc SR-71 Blackbird. I feel that it represents an excellent value. It can perform aerobatics at a comfortable pace, and could also be used as a terrific second rc airplane. It is not difficult to put together, but it is more involved than most first time models. If you want your next flying project to be of excellent quality, unbelievable value, and offer you a finished product that is truly a lot of fun to fly, then you can't go wrong with the GPI rc SR-71 Blackbird."
Dario from Italy writes about his scratch built rc SR-71 Blackbird pusher prop radio control airplane:
"My rc SR-71 Blackbird is all balsa wood and is powered by a Super Tigre G45 2c engine. It is equipped with 7 servos: 1 for nose wheel steering, 1 for both rudders, 1 for throttle, 2 for elevators and 2 for ailerons. The propeller is an APC 10x8 pusher and the landing gear is fixed (at the moment). It will take the first flight next week because I need some other hour for fixing the plastic engine's covers (which simulate the real engines) on the wings. The dimensions are: 1,200 mm length, 900 mm wing span, and a weight of 2.5 Kg. "
