next
* Overseas deliveries are likely to be after
this date.In our next issue we refl ect on the RAF’s involvement in the North African campaign during World War
Two and bring you the latest news from Cosford’s Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. In addition,
Ken Ellis refl ects on the famous Abingdon airshow of 1968. The June issue will be in UK shops on May 1
or see page 112 for our latest money-saving subscription offers.FINALS LOCKHEED BLACKBIRD
130 FLYPAST May 2018A true icon of Cold War aviation,
the Mach 3-capable Lockheed
SR-71 Blackbird is certainly
one of the most eye-catching
aircraft ever built. This archive
image shows SR-71A 61-7958
fl ying from its base at Beale
in California. This SR-71A made
its fi rst fl ight on December 15,
1965 in the hands of Lockheed
test pilot Bill Weaver and Lt
Col Daniel Andre. It achieved a
world speed and altitude record
on July 28, 1976 before being
retired in February 1990. It is
n ow preserved at the Museum
of Aviation near Warner Robins,
Georgia. LOCKHEED-MARTIN