SR-71 Blackbird

[gamary]

Its a nice profile of an airframe that imho isn't really all that interesting in profile! But airborne and seen from above...

If I have time before publication, I'll make a top view, although I've never made one yet...

[Vacajun]

GFR,

Right on!! Suffers the "long and slim profiling disease" just like the B-1. anyone had success trying to squeeze a plan view or scanned photo into a profile for aircraft like this??

[Supah]

The Blackbird is a super cool machine that I regret I never saw fly but the ultimate jet to me will always be the F-4 Phantom

[gamary]

I've modified the fin. I agree on principle to the modification, although I do find the fin is now a tad too light to my liking. Actually, what I need to do is make the top of the engine nacelle a bit lighter and it will be more balanced.



Joe, what do you mean? Superpose a Blackbird picture to a profile or scale plan? I haven't tried, but the pictures I have looked at puzzle me with that potato chip camber thing. I think Kelly Johnson created the world's fist stealth potato chip. I doesn't show up when you're looking for it and suddenly appears when you're not. How cunning of him...

BTW, I don't find the SR-71 boring on a profile view. It sort of looks like a Y-wing. Even the top/ bottom view aren't that much better. Pictures are what's really needed to show the complexity and beauty of its lines.

[gamary]

Here's a quick trio, including "Rapid Rabbit" and "NASA 831" (dedicated to Joe of course )



As you can see, Joe, I've elected not to rework the potato chip camber area, as I find it noticeable only from some angles. Hope you'll forgive me. And thanks again for the worms and meatball.

[AGNT_Matt]

well said supah the 'toom is a classic jet, i only like ones painted in 337MPA colours (oh thats 337 Mira, Hellenic Air Force) but nice job on the SR-71 !

[Vacajun]

Oh, c'mon GM, all you need is a highlight run down that leading edge to give it some form!!

[gamary]

I don't really find that the potato chip is visible on that drawing, Joe?

One thing I could do is erase a bit of the lighting on the uppersurface to show it some. But, as I said, do you really find that detail visible from a side view of the aircraft? I know it's very visible on some shots, but completely invisible on most, including side views.

[gamary]

Reviving an old thread...

I'm now working on the top view of the SR-71:



And, Joe, it's not there yet but I will feature the potato chip camber.

This is still early stages but any comments are welcome.

[JMSmith]

hi GM,

ok so it's a robot plane!!!!! no cockpit.

are you sure about the kink right near the nose, thought only the YF12A had that