A recent addition to my die-cast aircraft collection is this Motor Max Sky Wings SR-71 with D-21 drone. Strictly speaking, the carrier aircraft is a variant of the A-11, called the M-21, rather than a true SR-71.
The D-21 was a Mach 3 class, unmanned drone carried on the back of the M-21. It was launched, and flown over especially dangerous sites.
The idea was that after its photographic run, the drone would return to friendly airspace, eject its film canister, and self-destruct. The film then being picked up.
The D-21/M-21 programme was abandoned after a fatal crash, but the D-21 was used operationally from converted B-52 bombers. The programme ended in 1971.
For more information see the Wikipedia page:
This model is unusual for a modern die-cast toy in being all-metal, apart from the plastic undercarriage. However the fins are a very loose fit.
The M-21 carrier aircraft is 117 mm long, with a 60 mm wingspan. There are no clear parts
It is painted gloss black, and carries US Air Force markings in white. The US star and bar markings are upside down on both sides of the fuselage - the stars should point upwards.
The tail carries the Lockheed Skunk Works insignia on the fins. The only markings under the model are the number A210, and CHINA, both cast-in.
The D-21 is 41 mm long, with a wingspan of 19 mm. It is all-silver, with no markings.
There is no display stand, but the model runs along nicely on its wheels. A really nice, and unusual, variant of the Blackbird family.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
