Herpa US Air Force Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird - 9th SRW Detachment 4, RAF Mildenhall “Farewell Dartboard” – 61-7980 1/200 573283

Length: 16.4 cm

Material: Diecast

Brand: Herpa

From 1976 to 1990, Mach 3-speed SR-71 Blackbirds were regularly stationed in the United Kingdom to conduct reconnaissance operations over Europe more effectively. Detachment 4, as the deployed unit was called, consisted of two aircraft based at Mildenhall Air Force Base in England. After the relaxation of tensions following the fall of the Iron Curtain, Detachment 4 ceased operations. To commemorate the deactivation of "Det4" and the return of SR-71 #980 to the USA, the crew painted a dartboard on both tail fins, resembling their (unofficial) emblem. Even after being handed over to NASA, the dartboard remained on the tail fins for some time before it received official NASA lettering and registration.