Blackbird
The X-Men's aircraft. Orignally, it was an SR-71 Blackbird by Lockheed, modified to carry 14 passengers. Developed for the USAF as reconnaissance aircraft more than 30 years ago, SR-71s are still the world's fastest and highest-flying production aircraft. The aircraft can fly more than 2200 mph (Mach 3+ or more than three times the speed of sound) and at altitudes of over 85,000 feet.
The specifications for a standard Blackbird are:
Length: 107.4 feet (32.73 m)
Wing Span: 55.6 feet (16.94 m)
Height: l8.5 feet (5.63 m) from the ground to the top of the rudders when parked
Gross Takeoff Weight: 140,000 pounds (52253.83 kg) - includes fuel
Fuel Weight: 80,000 pounds (29859.33 kg).
SR-71 Blackbird in flight
|
The airframes are built almost entirely of titanium and titanium alloys to withstand heat generated by sustained Mach 3 flight. Aerodynamic control surfaces consist of all-moving vertical tail surfaces above each engine nacelle, ailerons on the outer wings, and elevators on the trailing edges between the engine exhaust nozzles. It should be noted that the official version of the Blackbird seated a maximum of 2 crewmen, so the craft used by the X-Men must have been a much larger custom job.
After Professor X returned from space and the original X-Men returned to the team, Forge designed a new Blackbird with a forward-swept wing design, a vibranium-powered cloaking device, electronic counter-measures and other hi-tech features. The new Blackbird also has a cargo hold large enough for ATVs, as well as an escape pod built around the entire cockpit. With slight modifications, this version of the aircraft can be made ready for near-Earth orbit, though it is not really spaceworthy.
The second Blackbird was confiscated by Bastion during Operation: Zero Tolerance, and the X-Men since returned to using the original Blackbird, which had been hidden in the lake on Xavier's property. That plane was destroyed by Cerebro's fake X-Men, and the team shifted to using their foes' Aurora jet for a while. Presumably another Blackbird was commissioned upon Professor X's return to the team, although the plethora of Skrull craft the X-Men have acquired in recent months may have rendered that unnecessary. It does appear that at least one of the teams has a Blackbird again.
Other aircraft of note include:
Thought-controlled helicopter: Used in the early days of the original X-Men, when Professor X ferried them to mission sites
Invisible jet: Used in the early days of the original X-Men
Midnight Runner: Created by Brian Braddock. Packed a cloaking device and weapons
Moonlight Skiff: Created by Brian Braddock. "Sister" to the Runner, but unarmed and slower. Used by Moira MacTaggert
Strato-Jet: Similar in form to the SR-71, but with a much shorter fuselage and less seating
X-Wing: Current aircraft for Cyclops's team. Rear-swept wing design, X-shaped red glass windshield. Carries missiles and other offensive and defensive measures.
Course Syllabus
|
| |
