Description

"Super Skater" by Artist Craig Tinder

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder illustrates the final flight of SR-71A "Habu" 61-7953.

The Story Behind the Print:

17 June 1970 - Maj. Buddy Brown and Maj. Mort Jarvis flew SR-71A “Super Skater” on a test mission across the U.S. After a smooth first refueling, they connected with a second tanker near El Paso when turbulence caused the SR-71 to pitch into the KC-135Q, tearing off the nose and forcing both crewmen to eject.

Brown, with two broken legs, and Jarvis survived. The aircraft crashed into the Texas desert, creating a massive crater and explosion visible from 20 miles away. Debris recovered decades later included a turbine wheel and painted titanium hull fragment.

Artist Craig Tinder consulted with SR-71 pilot Brian Shul for accuracy—including details like the absence of wing fuel streaks during afterburner ignition due to the airframe’s expansion at speed. This artwork is dedicated to Shul’s memory and the legacy of the Blackbird.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

About the Relic & Process

Each canvas includes an authentic fragment recovered from the crash site of SR-71A No. 61-7970, which went down in the remote desert of West Texas in 1970. These relics were gathered from the debris field in 2013—including small engine parts, sections of the aircraft's internal structure, and black-painted titanium skin—preserving what remained of this Cold War-era reconnaissance mission.

Tail artwork of SR-71A 17970 "Super Skater"

These components, once part of an aircraft capable of cruising above Mach 3, now serve as enduring reminders of the risks, resilience, and remarkable engineering behind the SR-71 program.

Note the traces of black paint marred by the heat and force of the crash.

Disclaimer

By purchasing from Aces In Action, you acknowledge that the product may vary slightly from the images on our website. We use authentic materials from military vehicles and relics, which may contain potentially hazardous substances. These items are not intended for ingestion, inhalation, or use by children. Aces In Action is an independent company, unaffiliated with or endorsed by any other organization. All names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only, in accordance with the Lanham Act. Their use does not imply any official endorsement.