SR71 Blackbird

The SR-71 is a world-renowned aircraft that was designed for the sole purpose of surveillance over Soviet territory. It was the second aircraft to reach Mach 3 and was never shot down due to its high speed that enabled it to outrun missiles and other aircraft in pursuit.

In the radio-controlled version in our club, the SR-71 is extremely lightweight and the long nose serves as a lifting surface, improving its aerobatic capabilities with its excess thrust. Weighing just 500 grams, the aircraft can effortlessly perform 90-degree vertical climbs. Its short, stubby wings also enhance its roll rate and overall manoeuvrability. This is a prime example of how reducing the scale of an aircraft can greatly impact its flight characteristics, as the SR-71's RC flight characteristics differ greatly from its full-sized counterpart.