{"title":"AIRCRAFT: Blackbird","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"way-ahead-of-its-time-by-stan-stokes-gs","title":"Way Ahead of its Time by Stan Stokes. (GS)","description":"STK0151GS. Way Ahead of its Time by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Aviation artist Stan Stokes has appropriately entitled his outstanding painting of an SR-71 Blackbird as, Way Ahead of its Time. The Blackbirds origins, amazingly, date back to the 1950s. At that time the U.S. government was very concerned about nuclear developments in the Soviet Union, and a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft was needed to overfly the Soviet Union. The Lockheed Corporation responded by developing the U-2, which was akin to a high powered glider. The U-2 was based on cost effective adaptations of currently available technologies, and was very effective initially, but as surface-to-air missile capability improved, the U-2 became vulnerable. What was needed was a long-range, very fast, very high altitude aircraft, capable of outrunning Soviet surface-to-air missiles. Mr. Kelly Johnson, Lockheeds project engineer who oversaw the famous skunkworks, presented a proposal to the U.S. government in 1959 regarding the development of a state-of-the-art ultra high speed and ultra high altitude aircraft. The plane, initially designated the A-12, first appeared as the YF-12 interceptor, but the government decided not to fund the YF-12. The design, however, became the SR-71, and the first production Blackbird took to the skies in 1964. The aircraft incorporated many design features never utilized on any aircraft up to that time. For example, at cruising speed the Blackbirds skin would reach nearly 1000 degrees, so the aircraft had to be constructed primarily from a titanium alloy. The SR-71 gets so hot, in fact, that the plane is one foot longer at cruising speed than it is on the ground. For twenty-six years this secretive aircraft held many of the worlds records for both speed and altitude. It is believed that about thirty two Blackbirds were produced, and about twenty of these were still in service with the Air Force in 1990. With the development of more capable satellites, and the high cost of maintaining the Blackbird fleet, the Air Force suspended Blackbird operations in 1990. On the final Air Force flight of a Blackbird, from California to Washington, D.C., this incredible aircraft once again set a speed record in making the trip in only sixty-eight minutes. Mr. Stokes has depicted in his painting a SR-71 Blackbird flying at 80,000 feet and at Mach 3.1 over the west coast of the United States. The plane as depicted is piloted by Col. Robert Powell, who is believed to have logged over 1.0 million miles in his 1,020 hours of flight time. Becoming a Blackbird pilot was about as difficult as becoming an astronaut, and Col. Powell personifies the talented and dedicated pioneers, who much like the Blackbird, were way ahead of their time. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135079797069,"sku":null,"price":394.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0151.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"first-flight-of-the-blackbird-by-stan-stokes-gs","title":"First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. (GS)","description":"STK0154GS. First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Construction of the first SR-71 Blackbird (61-7950) was completed by Lockheed at its Burbank California Skunk Works in October of 1964. The aircraft was then broken down for shipment to Palmdale, California where it was reassembled. Kelly Johnson, the famous aircraft designer for Lockheed, had oversight responsibility for this project, and Kelly gave specific instructions to Robert Gilliland, the pilot chosen for the first flight of the Blackbird. The first flight was originally scheduled for December 21, 1964. Bad weather had caused a one-day postponement. During the first flight only Gilliland would be on board, and a trio of F-104 fighters would fly chase. Following take off Gilliland performed a number of stability and handling checks. He then took the Blackbird up to 30,000 feet and easily went supersonic (hitting Mach 1.2) before some caution lights came on. Determining that he faced no serious problems Gilliland accelerated to Mach 1.5 and climbed to 50,000 feet. Returning to Palmdale he made a subsonic flyby before lining up for his landing. Gillilands first flight is commemorated in Stan Stokes painting. The first six SR-71s produced were assigned to flight-testing at Edwards AFB. The first successful aerial refueling of a Blackbird occurred on April 25, 1965, and two pilot training aircraft (designated SR-71B) were delivered in 1965. A set back to the program occurred in January 1966 when an SR-71 was lost over New Mexico and a year later the original Blackbird (61-7950) was destroyed when the craft caught fire during braking tests at Edwards.  Overall ten Blackbirds were lost during the first six years of the program. A total of thirty-two SR-71A aircraft were produced. In March of 1990 an SR-71 was flown from California to Washington before being retired to the Smithsonians Air and Space Museum. This flight was interesting because it set a coast-to-coast speed record of 68 minutes. The aircraft took off from Southern California and flew north to rendezvous with a tanker near San Francisco. The craft then flew south while refueling. It passed over its official starting point for the trip near Ventura. Accelerating to Mach 2.5 the Blackbird reached Kansas City in 39 minutes. Climbing to 85,000 feet the aircraft reached a top speed of Mach 3.2 as it passed the official finish line near Baltimore. After slowing to subsonic speeds the bird needed another shot of fuel prior to making its final approach into Dulles Airport. This truly amazing aircraft had once again demonstrated its capabilities more than two decades after its first flight. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSize 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135079829837,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0154.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"the-untouchable-by-philip-west-ap","title":"The Untouchable by Philip West (AP)","description":"DHM2230AP. The Untouchable by Philip West. \u003cp\u003eThe SR-71 Blackbird is the world's fastest and highest flying jet aircraft.  For over 23 years, the SR-71s gathered highly classified intelligence around the world for the President of the United States, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Pentagon and other governmental agencies, allowing them to make crucial political and military decisions during the Cold War.  At Mach 3+ cruising speed, the SR-71's leading edges heat up to over 600 degrees F, where the outside air temperature is already at a -60 degree F.  In September 1975 the SR-71 set a world speed record from New York City to London in one hour, 55 minutes.  When the SR-71 was delivered to the National Air \u0026amp; Space Museum in 1990, it set a Coast-to-Coast record, flying from Los Angeles, California to Washington, D.C., in 64 minutes, 20 seconds.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Col Richard Graham. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 28 inches x 20 inches (71cm x 51cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135234429261,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2230.jpg?v=1781871770"},{"product_id":"above-and-beyond-by-philip-west-ap","title":"Above and Beyond by Philip West (AP)","description":"DHM2313AP. Above and Beyond by Philip West. \u003cp\u003e The SR-71 Blackbird is the worlds fastest and highest flying jet aircraft.  For over 23 years, the SR-71s gathered highly classified intelligence around the world for the United States, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon and other governmental agencies, allowing them to make crucial decisions during the Cold War. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaper size 24 inches x 14 inches (61cm x 36cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135235379533,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2313.jpg?v=1781871901"},{"product_id":"habu-972-at-mach-3-0-by-philip-west","title":"Habu 972 at Mach 3.0 by Philip West.","description":"DHM2041. Habu 972 at Mach 3.0 by Philip West. \u003cp\u003eRichard Graham and RSO Don Emmons cruising their SR-71 in after-burner, gathering intelligence over the Soviet nuclear facility at Kamchatka, December 15, 1976.  At 80,000ft Rich Grahams SR-71 Blackbird is all but invisible to the three MiG fighters seen contrailing at 45,000 ft below. Under radar control, the MiGs make a futile attempt to intercept, but with the SR-71 travelling at three times the speed of sound along the edge of the stratosphere, there is nothing they can do. At this great height the crew of Habu 972 can clearly see the pronounced curvature of the earth and, in broad daylight above them, the brightest stars shining in the heavens. The SR-71 Habu 972, now resides in the National Air \u0026amp; Space Museum, Washington DC.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLast 4 prints of this sold out edition.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 500 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaper size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135913447757,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2041.jpg?v=1781871769"},{"product_id":"the-untouchable-by-philip-west","title":"The Untouchable by Philip West.","description":"DHM2230. The Untouchable by Philip West. \u003cp\u003eThe SR-71 Blackbird is the world's fastest and highest flying jet aircraft.  For over 23 years, the SR-71s gathered highly classified intelligence around the world for the President of the United States, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Pentagon and other governmental agencies, allowing them to make crucial political and military decisions during the Cold War.  At Mach 3+ cruising speed, the SR-71's leading edges heat up to over 600 degrees F, where the outside air temperature is already at a -60 degree F.  In September 1975 the SR-71 set a world speed record from New York City to London in one hour, 55 minutes.  When the SR-71 was delivered to the National Air \u0026amp; Space Museum in 1990, it set a Coast-to-Coast record, flying from Los Angeles, California to Washington, D.C., in 64 minutes, 20 seconds.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Col Richard Graham. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 350 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 28 inches x 20 inches (71cm x 51cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135927701837,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2230.jpg?v=1781871770"},{"product_id":"above-and-beyond-by-philip-west","title":"Above and Beyond by Philip West.","description":"DHM2313.  Above and Beyond by Philip West. \u003cp\u003eThe SR-71 Blackbird is the worlds fastest and highest flying jet aircraft.  For over 23 years, the SR-71s gathered highly classified intelligence around the world for the United States, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon and other governmental agencies, allowing them to make crucial decisions during the Cold War. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 200 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 24 inches x 14 inches (61cm x 36cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135930749261,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2313.jpg?v=1781871901"},{"product_id":"the-black-is-back-by-robert-tomlin","title":"The Black is Back by Robert Tomlin.","description":"DHM2535. The Black is Back by Robert Tomlin. \u003cp\u003e At the end of its landing run and streaming the unmistakable scarlet brake parachute with its characteristic tuck at the bottom, an SR-71 prepares to turn off of the runway after another Hot Flight.   Retired in favour of other technology including satellite surveillance a small number of these remarkable aircraft were due to start back in service at the end of 1996.  There were jobs that just could not be done by any other system, even the most sophisticated modern technology failing to address all of the incredible capabilities of one of the most advanced aircraft of all time. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 500 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 14 inches x 24 inches (36cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135939760461,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2535.jpg?v=1781871899"},{"product_id":"outrun-the-thunder-by-john-d-shaw","title":"Outrun the Thunder by John D Shaw.","description":"DHM2632. Outrun the Thunder by John D Shaw. \u003cp\u003e The amazing SR-71, number 972, at Kadena as it undergoes a last-minute engine run-up prior to a reconnaissance sortie over the Soviet naval base at Vladivostok. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSigned by an unprecedented 55+ pilots and RSOs (Reconnaissance Systems Officers), representing approximately 60 percent of all the crews whi ever flew the Blackbird during its operational career. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust one print available of this edition.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 500 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 37 inches x 26 inches (94cm x 66cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135956046157,"sku":null,"price":280.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2632.jpg?v=1781871957"},{"product_id":"sr17a-blackbird-9th-strategic-reconnaissance-wing-raf-mildenhall-photo-by-c-f-allan","title":"SR17A Blackbird - 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, RAF Mildenhall (PHOTO) by C F Allan.","description":"DHM6554. SR17A Blackbird - 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, RAF Mildenhall (PHOTO) by C F Allan. \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarge size photograph. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135997825357,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm6554.jpg?v=1781872327"},{"product_id":"way-ahead-of-its-time-by-stan-stokes","title":"Way Ahead of its Time by Stan Stokes.","description":"STK0151. Way Ahead of its Time by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Aviation artist Stan Stokes has appropriately entitled his outstanding painting of an SR-71 Blackbird as, Way Ahead of its Time. The Blackbirds origins, amazingly, date back to the 1950s. At that time the U.S. government was very concerned about nuclear developments in the Soviet Union, and a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft was needed to overfly the Soviet Union. The Lockheed Corporation responded by developing the U-2, which was akin to a high powered glider. The U-2 was based on cost effective adaptations of currently available technologies, and was very effective initially, but as surface-to-air missile capability improved, the U-2 became vulnerable. What was needed was a long-range, very fast, very high altitude aircraft, capable of outrunning Soviet surface-to-air missiles. Mr. Kelly Johnson, Lockheeds project engineer who oversaw the famous skunkworks, presented a proposal to the U.S. government in 1959 regarding the development of a state-of-the-art ultra high speed and ultra high altitude aircraft. The plane, initially designated the A-12, first appeared as the YF-12 interceptor, but the government decided not to fund the YF-12. The design, however, became the SR-71, and the first production Blackbird took to the skies in 1964. The aircraft incorporated many design features never utilized on any aircraft up to that time. For example, at cruising speed the Blackbirds skin would reach nearly 1000 degrees, so the aircraft had to be constructed primarily from a titanium alloy. The SR-71 gets so hot, in fact, that the plane is one foot longer at cruising speed than it is on the ground. For twenty-six years this secretive aircraft held many of the worlds records for both speed and altitude. It is believed that about thirty two Blackbirds were produced, and about twenty of these were still in service with the Air Force in 1990. With the development of more capable satellites, and the high cost of maintaining the Blackbird fleet, the Air Force suspended Blackbird operations in 1990. On the final Air Force flight of a Blackbird, from California to Washington, D.C., this incredible aircraft once again set a speed record in making the trip in only sixty-eight minutes. Mr. Stokes has depicted in his painting a SR-71 Blackbird flying at 80,000 feet and at Mach 3.1 over the west coast of the United States. The plane as depicted is piloted by Col. Robert Powell, who is believed to have logged over 1.0 million miles in his 1,020 hours of flight time. Becoming a Blackbird pilot was about as difficult as becoming an astronaut, and Col. Powell personifies the talented and dedicated pioneers, who much like the Blackbird, were way ahead of their time.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 4750 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136159043917,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0151.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"way-ahead-of-its-time-by-stan-stokes-b","title":"Way Ahead of its Time by Stan Stokes. (B)","description":"STK0151B. Way Ahead of its Time by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Aviation artist Stan Stokes has appropriately entitled his outstanding painting of an SR-71 Blackbird as, Way Ahead of its Time. The Blackbirds origins, amazingly, date back to the 1950s. At that time the U.S. government was very concerned about nuclear developments in the Soviet Union, and a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft was needed to overfly the Soviet Union. The Lockheed Corporation responded by developing the U-2, which was akin to a high powered glider. The U-2 was based on cost effective adaptations of currently available technologies, and was very effective initially, but as surface-to-air missile capability improved, the U-2 became vulnerable. What was needed was a long-range, very fast, very high altitude aircraft, capable of outrunning Soviet surface-to-air missiles. Mr. Kelly Johnson, Lockheeds project engineer who oversaw the famous skunkworks, presented a proposal to the U.S. government in 1959 regarding the development of a state-of-the-art ultra high speed and ultra high altitude aircraft. The plane, initially designated the A-12, first appeared as the YF-12 interceptor, but the government decided not to fund the YF-12. The design, however, became the SR-71, and the first production Blackbird took to the skies in 1964. The aircraft incorporated many design features never utilized on any aircraft up to that time. For example, at cruising speed the Blackbirds skin would reach nearly 1000 degrees, so the aircraft had to be constructed primarily from a titanium alloy. The SR-71 gets so hot, in fact, that the plane is one foot longer at cruising speed than it is on the ground. For twenty-six years this secretive aircraft held many of the worlds records for both speed and altitude. It is believed that about thirty two Blackbirds were produced, and about twenty of these were still in service with the Air Force in 1990. With the development of more capable satellites, and the high cost of maintaining the Blackbird fleet, the Air Force suspended Blackbird operations in 1990. On the final Air Force flight of a Blackbird, from California to Washington, D.C., this incredible aircraft once again set a speed record in making the trip in only sixty-eight minutes. Mr. Stokes has depicted in his painting a SR-71 Blackbird flying at 80,000 feet and at Mach 3.1 over the west coast of the United States. The plane as depicted is piloted by Col. Robert Powell, who is believed to have logged over 1.0 million miles in his 1,020 hours of flight time. Becoming a Blackbird pilot was about as difficult as becoming an astronaut, and Col. Powell personifies the talented and dedicated pioneers, who much like the Blackbird, were way ahead of their time. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJust two of this print edition now available.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 25 giclee art prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSize 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136159109453,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0151.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"first-flight-of-the-blackbird-by-stan-stokes","title":"First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes.","description":"STK0154. First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Construction of the first SR-71 Blackbird (61-7950) was completed by Lockheed at its Burbank California Skunk Works in October of 1964. The aircraft was then broken down for shipment to Palmdale, California where it was reassembled. Kelly Johnson, the famous aircraft designer for Lockheed, had oversight responsibility for this project, and Kelly gave specific instructions to Robert Gilliland, the pilot chosen for the first flight of the Blackbird. The first flight was originally scheduled for December 21, 1964. Bad weather had caused a one-day postponement. During the first flight only Gilliland would be on board, and a trio of F-104 fighters would fly chase. Following take off Gilliland performed a number of stability and handling checks. He then took the Blackbird up to 30,000 feet and easily went supersonic (hitting Mach 1.2) before some caution lights came on. Determining that he faced no serious problems Gilliland accelerated to Mach 1.5 and climbed to 50,000 feet. Returning to Palmdale he made a subsonic flyby before lining up for his landing. Gillilands first flight is commemorated in Stan Stokes painting. The first six SR-71s produced were assigned to flight-testing at Edwards AFB. The first successful aerial refueling of a Blackbird occurred on April 25, 1965, and two pilot training aircraft (designated SR-71B) were delivered in 1965. A set back to the program occurred in January 1966 when an SR-71 was lost over New Mexico and a year later the original Blackbird (61-7950) was destroyed when the craft caught fire during braking tests at Edwards.  Overall ten Blackbirds were lost during the first six years of the program. A total of thirty-two SR-71A aircraft were produced. In March of 1990 an SR-71 was flown from California to Washington before being retired to the Smithsonians Air and Space Museum. This flight was interesting because it set a coast-to-coast speed record of 68 minutes. The aircraft took off from Southern California and flew north to rendezvous with a tanker near San Francisco. The craft then flew south while refueling. It passed over its official starting point for the trip near Ventura. Accelerating to Mach 2.5 the Blackbird reached Kansas City in 39 minutes. Climbing to 85,000 feet the aircraft reached a top speed of Mach 3.2 as it passed the official finish line near Baltimore. After slowing to subsonic speeds the bird needed another shot of fuel prior to making its final approach into Dulles Airport. This truly amazing aircraft had once again demonstrated its capabilities more than two decades after its first flight.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 4750 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136159338829,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0154.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"first-flight-of-the-blackbird-by-stan-stokes-b","title":"First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. (B)","description":"STK0154B. First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Construction of the first SR-71 Blackbird (61-7950) was completed by Lockheed at its Burbank California Skunk Works in October of 1964. The aircraft was then broken down for shipment to Palmdale, California where it was reassembled. Kelly Johnson, the famous aircraft designer for Lockheed, had oversight responsibility for this project, and Kelly gave specific instructions to Robert Gilliland, the pilot chosen for the first flight of the Blackbird. The first flight was originally scheduled for December 21, 1964. Bad weather had caused a one-day postponement. During the first flight only Gilliland would be on board, and a trio of F-104 fighters would fly chase. Following take off Gilliland performed a number of stability and handling checks. He then took the Blackbird up to 30,000 feet and easily went supersonic (hitting Mach 1.2) before some caution lights came on. Determining that he faced no serious problems Gilliland accelerated to Mach 1.5 and climbed to 50,000 feet. Returning to Palmdale he made a subsonic flyby before lining up for his landing. Gillilands first flight is commemorated in Stan Stokes painting. The first six SR-71s produced were assigned to flight-testing at Edwards AFB. The first successful aerial refueling of a Blackbird occurred on April 25, 1965, and two pilot training aircraft (designated SR-71B) were delivered in 1965. A set back to the program occurred in January 1966 when an SR-71 was lost over New Mexico and a year later the original Blackbird (61-7950) was destroyed when the craft caught fire during braking tests at Edwards.  Overall ten Blackbirds were lost during the first six years of the program. A total of thirty-two SR-71A aircraft were produced. In March of 1990 an SR-71 was flown from California to Washington before being retired to the Smithsonians Air and Space Museum. This flight was interesting because it set a coast-to-coast speed record of 68 minutes. The aircraft took off from Southern California and flew north to rendezvous with a tanker near San Francisco. The craft then flew south while refueling. It passed over its official starting point for the trip near Ventura. Accelerating to Mach 2.5 the Blackbird reached Kansas City in 39 minutes. Climbing to 85,000 feet the aircraft reached a top speed of Mach 3.2 as it passed the official finish line near Baltimore. After slowing to subsonic speeds the bird needed another shot of fuel prior to making its final approach into Dulles Airport. This truly amazing aircraft had once again demonstrated its capabilities more than two decades after its first flight. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOnly 1 print now remains.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Test Pilot Robert Gilliland - the first pilot to fly the SR-71 \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e225 prints from the signed limited edition of 4750 prints, with signature of Stan Stokes and pilot, and a remarque.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136159404365,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0154.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"first-flight-of-the-blackbird-by-stan-stokes-c","title":"First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. (C)","description":"STK0154C. First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e Construction of the first SR-71 Blackbird (61-7950) was completed by Lockheed at its Burbank California Skunk Works in October of 1964. The aircraft was then broken down for shipment to Palmdale, California where it was reassembled. Kelly Johnson, the famous aircraft designer for Lockheed, had oversight responsibility for this project, and Kelly gave specific instructions to Robert Gilliland, the pilot chosen for the first flight of the Blackbird. The first flight was originally scheduled for December 21, 1964. Bad weather had caused a one-day postponement. During the first flight only Gilliland would be on board, and a trio of F-104 fighters would fly chase. Following take off Gilliland performed a number of stability and handling checks. He then took the Blackbird up to 30,000 feet and easily went supersonic (hitting Mach 1.2) before some caution lights came on. Determining that he faced no serious problems Gilliland accelerated to Mach 1.5 and climbed to 50,000 feet. Returning to Palmdale he made a subsonic flyby before lining up for his landing. Gillilands first flight is commemorated in Stan Stokes painting. The first six SR-71s produced were assigned to flight-testing at Edwards AFB. The first successful aerial refueling of a Blackbird occurred on April 25, 1965, and two pilot training aircraft (designated SR-71B) were delivered in 1965. A set back to the program occurred in January 1966 when an SR-71 was lost over New Mexico and a year later the original Blackbird (61-7950) was destroyed when the craft caught fire during braking tests at Edwards.  Overall ten Blackbirds were lost during the first six years of the program. A total of thirty-two SR-71A aircraft were produced. In March of 1990 an SR-71 was flown from California to Washington before being retired to the Smithsonians Air and Space Museum. This flight was interesting because it set a coast-to-coast speed record of 68 minutes. The aircraft took off from Southern California and flew north to rendezvous with a tanker near San Francisco. The craft then flew south while refueling. It passed over its official starting point for the trip near Ventura. Accelerating to Mach 2.5 the Blackbird reached Kansas City in 39 minutes. Climbing to 85,000 feet the aircraft reached a top speed of Mach 3.2 as it passed the official finish line near Baltimore. After slowing to subsonic speeds the bird needed another shot of fuel prior to making its final approach into Dulles Airport. This truly amazing aircraft had once again demonstrated its capabilities more than two decades after its first flight. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJust two of this print edition now available.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 100 giclee art prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136159469901,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0154.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"first-flight-of-the-blackbird-by-stan-stokes-d","title":"First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. (D)","description":"STK0154D. First Flight of the Blackbird by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003eConstruction of the first SR-71 Blackbird (61-7950) was completed by Lockheed at its Burbank California Skunk Works in October of 1964. The aircraft was then broken down for shipment to Palmdale, California where it was reassembled. Kelly Johnson, the famous aircraft designer for Lockheed, had oversight responsibility for this project, and Kelly gave specific instructions to Robert Gilliland, the pilot chosen for the first flight of the Blackbird. The first flight was originally scheduled for December 21, 1964. Bad weather had caused a one-day postponement. During the first flight only Gilliland would be on board, and a trio of F-104 fighters would fly chase. Following take off Gilliland performed a number of stability and handling checks. He then took the Blackbird up to 30,000 feet and easily went supersonic (hitting Mach 1.2) before some caution lights came on. Determining that he faced no serious problems Gilliland accelerated to Mach 1.5 and climbed to 50,000 feet. Returning to Palmdale he made a subsonic flyby before lining up for his landing. Gillilands first flight is commemorated in Stan Stokes painting. The first six SR-71s produced were assigned to flight-testing at Edwards AFB. The first successful aerial refueling of a Blackbird occurred on April 25, 1965, and two pilot training aircraft (designated SR-71B) were delivered in 1965. A set back to the program occurred in January 1966 when an SR-71 was lost over New Mexico and a year later the original Blackbird (61-7950) was destroyed when the craft caught fire during braking tests at Edwards. Overall ten Blackbirds were lost during the first six years of the program. A total of thirty-two SR-71A aircraft were produced. In March of 1990 an SR-71 was flown from California to Washington before being retired to the Smithsonians Air and Space Museum. This flight was interesting because it set a coast-to-coast speed record of 68 minutes. The aircraft took off from Southern California and flew north to rendezvous with a tanker near San Francisco. The craft then flew south while refueling. It passed over its official starting point for the trip near Ventura. Accelerating to Mach 2.5 the Blackbird reached Kansas City in 39 minutes. Climbing to 85,000 feet the aircraft reached a top speed of Mach 3.2 as it passed the official finish line near Baltimore. After slowing to subsonic speeds the bird needed another shot of fuel prior to making its final approach into Dulles Airport. This truly amazing aircraft had once again demonstrated its capabilities more than two decades after its first flight.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Test Pilot Robert Gilliland - the first pilot to fly the SR-71 \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrints from the 225 prints from the signed limited edition of 4750 prints, with signature of Stan Stokes and pilot. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136159502669,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0154.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"lockheed-sr-71a-64-17973-of-9th-srw-usaf-by-keith-woodcock","title":"Lockheed SR-71A 64-17973 of 9th SRW, USAF by Keith Woodcock.","description":"WC5. Lockheed SR-71A 64-17973 of 9th SRW, USAF by Keith Woodcock\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e  Open edition print. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 11 inches x 7 inches (28cm x 18cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136189976909,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWwc0005.jpg?v=1781873734"}],"url":"https:\/\/militaryaviationartprints.com\/collections\/aircraft-blackbird.oembed","provider":"Military Aviation Art Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}