Hasegawa – 02425 – SR-71 Blackbird (Type A) “World Absolute Speed Recorder”

Description:

Limited edition with a new decal sheet, including markings U.S. Air Force 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, International Air Federation World Record Challenger 617958 and 617962, Beale Base, July 27 and 27, 1976.

The SR-71 held the distinction of being the fastest and highest-flying air-breathing operational manned aircraft throughout its illustrious career, and it still retains that remarkable record. On July 28, 1976, under the command of then Captain Robert Helt, the SR-71 with serial number 61-7962 achieved a groundbreaking “absolute altitude record” by reaching an astounding height of 85,069 feet (25,929 m). This accomplishment remains unmatched, as several aircraft have surpassed this altitude in zoom climbs but not in sustained flight. On that same historic day, another SR-71 with serial number 61-7958 set a world record for absolute speed, reaching an incredible 1,905.81 knots (2,193.2 mph; 3,529.6 km/h), approximately Mach 3.3.