This ready-to-fly model rocket set features two military units : one long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft and one land-attack cruise missile. The SR 71, unofficially known as Blackbird, was first introduced in 1966. The program was canceled 35 years later, in 2001. This most impressive aircraft can reach speeds over Mach 3.2. The Tomahawk missile can be launched from submarines and ships to engage land based targets. It can deliver a 1,000-pound (450-kg) bomb to an exact location. Luckily, the Micro Maxx model, created by Quest, doesn't carry the high price tag of the real thing : somewhere between $500,000 to $1,000,000 per unit.

Measurements

The scaled-down Cruise missile is about 3 7/8" (9.8 cm) long and the miniature version of its infamous partner, the Blackbird, measures slightly over 4 3/4 long" with a wingspan of 2 1/2".

Flight Data

After launch, the SR-71 Blackbird shoots up as straight as can be. Then it usually heads straight down and lawndarts into the ground.

However, there have been launches where it looked like the model rocket was trying to glide. It did so for about a second and then proceeded straight down. The streamer it uses as a recovery device never seems to deploy, at least it never did for this review. The model rocket remains undamaged after many flights.

The Tomahawk Cruise Missile doesn't reach a very high altitude. This model rocket goes straight up right after launch, only to lose power and acceleration very quickly. After a few launches, the streamer showed signs of heat damage, created by the ejection charge.

Out of these two Micro Maxx rockets, the Blackbird is by far the more entertaining to launch and watch.