Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird by Matthias Blaß - Airlinertreffen Oppingen 2026

Few other RC models embody the myth of the mysterious American "Blackbird" as impressively as Matthias Blaß's Lockheed SR-71: At a large scale, with a wingspan of approximately 2.4 meters, a length of 4.1 meters, and a takeoff weight of around 36 kg, this unique aircraft fills the skies above Oppingen with a true high-speed atmosphere. The model is powered by two Frank turbines with a combined thrust of about 32 kg – more than enough to make the characteristic, arrow-shaped silhouette appear remarkably realistic during brutal accelerations and long, fast low-level passes. Matthias presents the SR-71 with a keen sense of the original: low, fast, always with cleanly executed turns – and despite challenging thermal conditions, the flight ends in wonderfully smooth, controlled landings. The model is powered by two Frank turbines with a combined thrust of about 32 kg – more than enough to make the characteristic, arrow-shaped silhouette appear very realistic during brutal accelerations and long, fast low passes. The original, the Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird," was developed in the 1960s by Skunk Works as a high-flying, extremely fast reconnaissance aircraft for the US Air Force. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J58 engines, each delivering up to approximately 34,000 lbf of thrust with afterburners, the SR-71 achieved speeds exceeding Mach 3.2 and service altitudes exceeding 80,000 ft – a feat that still holds several speed and altitude records for jet-powered manned aircraft. Large sections of the airframe were constructed from titanium alloys, and it also featured complex intakes, fuel systems, and heat shields – the Blackbird was technically extremely sophisticated, but virtually unassailable: speed and altitude were its primary defenses. All of this is impressively reflected in Matthias' model aircraft: The distinctive twin fins, the long intakes, and the sleek fuselage are showcased perfectly in the fast, low passes, making the model look almost like the real thing, even in the video. The two Frank turbines not only provide thrust but also a rich, dense soundscape that further enhances the "Blackbird atmosphere"—especially when Matthias lets the aircraft fly close to the ground for extended periods and then pulls out with realistically shallow climb angles. Despite turbulent thermal conditions, he lands the SR-71 at the end of each flight with a clean approach, precise flare, and smooth wheel touchdown—clear proof of his exceptional flying skills in handling a demanding, heavy turbine jet. [The text abruptly ends here, so the translation stops as well.] Technical Specifications – RC Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird”, large-scale twin-engine turbine jet: Builder/Pilot: Walter Blaß, piloted by Matthias Blaß Scale: Sources indicate approximately 1:7.5–1:8 of the original Wingspan: approx. 2.4 m Length: approx. 4.1 m Takeoff weight: approx. 36 kg Propulsion: 2 × Frank turbines with a combined thrust of approximately 32 kg, fuel tank capacity of approximately 10 liters of kerosene for up to 10 minutes of flight time. Special Features: Unique, hand-built model constructed of wood with enormous effort, true-to-scale high-speed flight profile with fast low passes and yet smooth landings, very impressive rendering of the legendary SR-71 silhouette.