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X-Men Blackbird

From Marvel Database

This page is similar in name or subject to other pages.

See also X-Jet for a complete list of references to distinguish between these closely named or closely related articles.

Vehicle TemplateVehicle Template
Official Name
Blackbird
Nicknames
X-Jet

Current Model
RS-150 (Unique) (Shi'ar technology upgrade)

Current Owner
X-Men

Transport Method
Supersonic flight

Dimensions
88' 4" long, 62' 6" wingspan, 19' 2" height

Creators
Lead Designer: Clarence "Kelly" Johnson

Additional Designers: Lockheed "Skunk Works"

Place of Creation: unrevealed SHIELD / Lockheed aviation factory

Origin
Professor Charles Xavier obtained the Blackbird from SHIELD as a replacement for the obsolete Stratojet.

First appearance

Contents

History

Professor Xavier somehow gained at least one working version of the RS-150 Blackbird from SHIELD after the X-Men's Stratojet had been destroyed by Count Nefaria. Soon after the X-Men acquired this 7-seat version of the Blackbird, it was upgraded with Shi'ar technology, including a cloaking device. Later, it was rebuilt and remodeled by Forge.

Miscellaneous

Travel Radius: 6,100 miles (9,760 km)
Maximum Velocity (at sea level): Mach 2.3 (1,770 mph / 2,832 kph)
Maximum Velocity (at 120,000 feet): Mach 4.2 (3,234 mph / 5,175 kph)
Service Ceiling: 230,000 feet (69,000 meters)
Maximum Rate of Climb: 29.5 miles per minute
Onboard Equipment: Shi'ar cloaking device and sensors, pressurized cabin
Onboard Weaponry: The SR-71 was designed as a spy plane, sacrificing weaponry for surveillance equipment. Since becoming the X-Men's main transport The jet has been outfitted with concussion missiles and other offensive weaponry, it has also been fitted with defensive capabilities. The Blackbird also relies on the offensive capabilities of its passengers and crew.
Weight (unloaded, including fuel): 125,000 lbs (56,800 kg)
Weight (at maximum capacity): 145,000 lbs (65,900 kg)
Maximum Cargo: 20,000 lbs (9,100 kg)

== Alternate Universes


Notes

  • The original X-Men Blackbird was visually based on a modified, scaled-up version of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane (hence the name) but was modified to carry several passengers, as well as for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL). Some writers have referred to this design as the "SR-73" (possibly unofficial). The original Blackbird was crashed, torn apart, or otherwise destroyed on a regular basis, but each time it was rebuilt. Later versions incorporated technology created by Forge and the Shi'ar, including weapon systems, holographic active camouflage, and engines capable of hypersonic speeds.
  • There currently appear to be three Blackbirds, one for each main X-Men team.
  • In the first X-Men film (2000), the X-Men use a vehicle called the X-Jet. The comic-book versions of the X-Men have now switched to their own X-Jet.


Trivia

  • No trivia.


See Also


Links and References

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