Ken Collins Signed 8x10 Photo Inscribed "A-12 & SR-71 Test Pilot" (PSA)

**Hand-Signed 8x10 Photograph by SR-71 Pilot Ken Collins – Authenticated by PSA/DNA**

This **exceptional 8x10 photograph**, **hand-signed by legendary SR-71 Blackbird pilot Ken Collins**, is a **rare and historically significant collectible celebrating one of the elite pilots of America’s most advanced reconnaissance aircraft**. A veteran of **the U.S. Air Force and a pioneering aviator in the world of high-speed, high-altitude flight**, Collins played a **critical role in the development and operational testing of the SR-71 and its predecessor, the A-12 Oxcart**. This **highly sought-after collectible comes authenticated by PSA/DNA authentication services**, featuring the **PSA/DNA hologram affixed to the item**, along with a **PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity** verifying its provenance.

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### **Ken Collins – Elite SR-71 and A-12 Oxcart Pilot**

Colonel Ken Collins was one of the **hand-selected test pilots** for the **Lockheed A-12 Oxcart and SR-71 Blackbird programs**, both developed by **Lockheed’s Skunk Works division** under the leadership of legendary aircraft designer **Clarence ""Kelly"" Johnson**. These **top-secret reconnaissance aircraft**, built during the Cold War, were designed to **fly faster than a bullet and higher than any enemy aircraft or missile could reach**.

Collins **amassed thousands of flight hours** in **highly classified missions**, pushing the limits of **speed, altitude, and aeronautical engineering**. He was instrumental in the **testing and refinement of the A-12 and SR-71**, which later became the **world’s fastest and highest-flying aircraft**, conducting **critical reconnaissance missions for U.S. intelligence agencies**.

For his **pioneering contributions to aviation and national security**, Collins was awarded numerous military honors, including the **Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal**. His role in the **advancement of stealth and supersonic reconnaissance aircraft** remains one of the most significant in U.S. aviation history.

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### **The SR-71 Blackbird – The Pinnacle of Aviation Technology**

The **SR-71 Blackbird**, developed from the **A-12 Oxcart**, was a **technological marvel** that could **cruise at speeds exceeding Mach 3 (2,200+ mph) and altitudes above 85,000 feet**. The aircraft was **so fast that no enemy missile ever successfully intercepted it**, making it an indispensable tool for **Cold War reconnaissance and intelligence gathering**.

The **SR-71’s first flight took place in 1964**, and it remained in service for over three decades, setting **world records for speed and altitude that still stand today**. The pilots who flew these aircraft, including **Ken Collins**, were among the **most highly trained and skilled aviators in history**, entrusted with **some of the most classified missions of the 20th century**.

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### **Piece Overview**

This **hand-signed 8x10 photograph** is a **rare and museum-worthy collectible**, celebrating the career of **SR-71 and A-12 pilot Ken Collins**—one of the **elite few who flew the fastest aircraft ever built**.

Authenticated by **PSA/DNA authentication services**, this item **bears the PSA/DNA hologram affixed to the photograph** and comes with a **PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity**, ensuring its legitimacy.

For **military history collectors, Cold War aviation enthusiasts, and those who appreciate groundbreaking aerospace achievements**, this signed photograph represents a **unique opportunity to own a piece of history, honoring the legacy of Ken Collins and the legendary SR-71 Blackbird**.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.