This cast-molded pressurized resin scale model of the NASA SR-71 Blackbird comes in 1:72 scale and is rendered in fine detail. It includes a display base with a gift box. All parts of the replica are rendered to the scale of its real-life counterpart, adding to its authenticity. Recommended for Ages 12+ The twin-engine, two-seat jet operates as a supersonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft. With airframes made of titanium and its alloys, it features vertical tail fins constructed of a laminated material composite that reduces radar cross-section. The real-life plane measures 107? 5? high by 18? 6? long with a 55? 7? wingspan. It has cruised at more than three times the speed of sound, or over 2,000 miles per hour. The SR-71 holds the records for world's fastest jet and air-propelled aircraft. The aircraft's body is black with red accents. The black paint is what led the jet to its nickname, Blackbird. In the 1990s, NASA used two SR-71 Blackbird aircraft as testbeds for high-speed and high-altitude aeronautical research. An SR-71A and SR-71B were loaned to NASA by the U.S. Air Force. The SR-71, the most advanced member of the Blackbird family that included the A-12 and YF-12, was originally developed by Lockheed's "Skunk Works" team and, before being used for NASA research, flew for decades, gathering crucial intelligence for the US Air Force. Between its unmatched speed and advanced engineering, it was considered the high point of aviation technology and innovation.