Robert Gilliland Signed 'First Flight of the Blackbird' 11x16 Lithograph (AIV)

""" Calling all aviation aficionados and collectors!







Embark on a journey into the stratosphere with this extraordinary find: a hand-signed 11 1/2 X 16 lithograph titled """"First Flight of the Blackbird"""" by acclaimed artist Stan Stokes. Authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, this captivating lithograph commemorates the groundbreaking maiden voyage of the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, as witnessed by SR-71 pilot Robert Gilliland.







In """"First Flight of the Blackbird,"""" Stan Stokes skillfully captures the awe-inspiring moment when the sleek and stealthy SR-71 Blackbird takes to the skies for the very first time. Against a backdrop of azure heavens and wispy clouds, the iconic aircraft soars with unparalleled grace and power, symbolizing the pinnacle of aviation innovation and engineering.







The hand-signed signature of Robert Gilliland, a distinguished SR-71 pilot, adds an extra layer of authenticity and prestige to this lithograph, making it a prized addition to any aviation collection.







With AI-Verified authentication services, you can bid with confidence, knowing that the signature on this lithograph has been verified using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This ensures that you are acquiring a genuine piece of aviation history, signed by Robert Gilliland himself.







Don't miss your chance to own this rare piece of aviation art. Bid now and make this hand-signed Stan Stokes lithograph of """"First Flight of the Blackbird,"""" authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, the crown jewel of your collection. Seize this opportunity to honor the groundbreaking legacy of the SR-71 Blackbird and celebrate the pioneering spirit of aviation. Place your bid today and let this extraordinary piece of history take pride of place in your collection! ""







He trained in America's early jets before being assigned to a veteran front line fighter squadron in Germany. While stationed there as a Second Lieutenant, he won his Air Wing's 'Top Gun,' competition, which Second Lieutenants were not supposed to win. During the Korean War, he was reassigned to Taegu Air Base where he flew F-84's in nearly daily combat in the air war over North Korea. After returning to America, he received a 'plum assignment' to the USAF Research and Development group at Eglin Air Force base in Florida. Finding little excitement in the peacetime Air Force, he left the service to assist in his father's business. Upon his dad's death, he returned to his first love, aviation, as a part of Lockheed's F-104 Starfighter test flight group in Palmdale, California. In early 1962, while working as Lockheed's chief pilot for European production of the F-104 in Turin, Italy, he was recalled to Burbank by the chief of the Skunk Works, the legendary Kelly Johnson. Johnson asked him to lead the test flight program for the highly secret 'article' - the future Blackbird. Bob flight tested the 'article' known as the A-12 Blackbird at Area 51, a secret facility in the Nevada desert, for later delivery and use by the CIA. Bob later flight tested the interceptor version of the Blackbird, the YF-12A. Subsequently, he was hand-picked by Kelly Johnson to fly the final and newest version of the Blackbird - the SR-71. Under the call sign 'Dutch 51,' Bob successfully piloted the SR-71 Blackbird on its maiden flight on December 22nd, 1962. His work there continued intensively through multiple modifications until the envelope of the plane was fully developed and a critical supply could be delivered to the USAF. During these development years, he accumulated more Mach 3 plus experimental flight test time than any other pilot in the world. Even after President Johnson acknowledged that the Blackbird existed, little was released beyond what air controllers could see on their radar screens: that it was the fastest and highest flying aircraft ever created, rocketing at over three times the speed of sound on the edge of space at 80,000 feet. Long before Bob was allowed to comment on 'what he did at work,' his colleagues at the Society of Experimental Test Pilots recognized the magnitude of his achievements and honored him as the top test pilot/astronaut, the year after the Mercury 7 astronauts received the award. The SR-71 changed the calculus of the Cold War. Although over the course of the development program several aircraft were lost, no Blackbird was ever shot down despite the thousands of surface-to-air missiles fired at it by hostile countries. Since its declassification, Bob has been honored with virtually every significant aviation award in the western world, including the top award - enshrinement into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He died on 4th July 2019."

The lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV 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.