Lot 785 - SR-71 Blackbird Turbine Wheel Engine Relics, from No. 61-7970

Description

T
he Nickel Alloy Black Bird relics were
recovered in 2013 from the crash site of SR-71A, No. 61-7970.
The items located in each photo are all part of a turbine wheel used in on of the J-58 engines used in the SR-71 Program. The turbine wheel was shattered in the crash, bearing mute testimony of the destructive energy that was released when the spy plane smashed into the West Texas Desert! No. 970 crashed on June 17, 1970 after colliding with a KC-135Q tanker during refueling. The collision tore open the pilot's compartment and destroyed flight controls forcing the Black Bird crew to abandon their stricken aircraft. When the spy plane smashed into the desert in far West Texas, the engines were still set at cruising speed. The impact gouged out a two story deep crater in the desert floor and produced an explosion and mushroom cloud that could be seen over 20 miles away. A Letter of Provenance detailing the search for 970's crash site and the 2013 recovery of artifacts will be provided to the winning bidder.
Note to international buyers - The posted shipping is for domestic shipping to the eBay International Shipping Hub in Erlanger, Ky. After the auction is complete, eBay will assess additional fees for international shipping.