Description
From 1976 to 1990, Mach-3 SR-71 Blackbirds were regularly stationed in the United Kingdom to more effectively undertake reconnaissance operations over Europe. Detachment 4, as it was called, consisted of two aircraft based at RAF Mildenhall in England. Following the détente after the fall of the Iron Curtain, Detachment 4 ceased operations. To commemorate the deactivation of “Det4” and the return of SR-71 #980 to the U.S., the crew painted a dartboard resembling its (unofficial) emblem onto both stabilizers. Even after having been handed over to NASA, the dartboard remained on the stabilizers for some time before receiving official NASA titles and registration.