NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE..
Overview:
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the fastest, highest flying manned jet aircraft ever to take flight. The outer skin of the SR-71 heated to temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees F. The effect of this was the strengthening of aircraft components with age.
Interestingly the SR-71 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 SR-71 was made of titanium. Conventional aircraft usually have aluminum skins.
Due to extreme operating temperatures, the SR-71 lacked sealed fuel cells. The SR-71 would seep fluids when cold. The aircraft 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.
A total of 32 SR-71 aircraft were manufactured. Accidents claimed 12 of the aircraft with no lives taken.
The first flight of the SR-71 was on Dec.22, 1964. It became operational in March of 1968 and retired in 1998.
Features and Innovations:
Lockheed used a special alloy of titanium that could be worked at lower temperatures to reduce costs.
Fuel of the Blackbird was used for cooling the leading edge of the wings.
The shock wave from compression coming off of the nose of the SR-71 flows into the engines, making them more efficient.
Movable cones, called "spikes" in front of the engine air inlets direct incoming air at angles for 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 on the SR-71, originally intended to lower its 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 Blackbird wings. It expands and contracts better than other materials used on conventional aircraft.
The unique engines used on the Blackbird have a two stage design. Turbojet engines, inside of ram jets, enable the SR-71 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 SR-71s engines. The noise was deafening. This was eventually changed and Blackbirds 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 SR-71 Blackbirds.
Naming the SR-71:
The original designation of the aircraft was RS-71. That stood for reconnaissance/strike. However, the Air Force brass recommended changing the designation to SR-71.
Pictured above is the 45" wing span twin EDF Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird RC Airplane by GPI Models.
StreetJet makes a 21" wing span single pusher prop radio control airplane of the SR-71.
Altecare has a 29 1/2" w/s, 51" length single EDF SR- 71 Blackbird RC Airplane.
The first picture below is the scratch built SR-71 radio control airplane by Chris Good. The Blackbird RC Airplane has a length of 91" and a weight of 30 lbs. Power for the radio control airplane comes from two O.S. 91 VR-DF engines with tuned pipes.
The bottom picture is of the SR-71 RC Airplane from JetCom. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 29 1/2" and a length of 57". To power the RC Airplane you should use either a Wren 44 or EDF engine unit.
We welcome your comments on radio control airplanes. If you have a favorite SR-71 RC Airplane, or know of any kits, plans, or ARF Blackbird radio control airplanes, please email us.
Randy Myers of Easton, KS writes:
"I am very pleased with the GPI Models SR71 Blackbird radio control airplane. I feel that it represents an excellent value. The GPI RC SR71 radio control airplane can perform aerobatics at a comfortable pace, and could also be used as a terrific second radio control airplane. It is not difficult to put together, but it is more involved than most first time radio control airplanes. If you want your next radio control airplane 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 SR-71 Blackbird."
Dario from Italy writes about his scratch built SR-71 pusher prop radio control airplane:
"My radio control airplane is all balsa wood and is powered by a Super Tigre G45 2c engine. RC Airplane 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 for my SR-71 RC Airplane is an APC 10x8 pusher and the landing gear is fixed (at the moment). My radio control airplane 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 of my RC Airplane are: 1200 mm length, 900 mm wing span, and a weight of 2.5 Kg. "
RC Airplane built by Chris Good.
RC Airplane from JetCom.