PlaneArtsAustralia is a relative newcomer to the Australian Market but from the 6th June 2025 we will begin building up our eBay Store by gradually adding more and more models.
For many years we have been active in the UK through our eBay store as linked below. If you don't find what you need here it may be on our below UK store but if not, please just message us and ask for what you need, and we'll let you have pricing
UNITED KINGDOM - PlaneArts | eBay Stores
"You never really own a PlaneArts model - you merely look after it for the next generation"
The dimensions of the above model are as follows:
LENGTH: 12.00 INCHES (30.50 CM), WINGSPAN: 7.20 INCHES (18.30 CM), SCALE: 1:100
This model replica is painstakingly hand carved and then hand painted out of solid kiln dried mahogany wood (from renewable sources) by our highly experienced and talented craftsmen at our Filipino owned factory near the original Clark Air Base in Pampanga and takes about 9-10 weeks to manufacture. Production in our factory is supervised by our own resident British Pilot who ensures that exact blueprints are used for these meticulously detailed scale models custom manufactured and precisely engineered to your exact specifications and that will be cherished by all.
The model will be exactly as you see in the above and below images in terms of detailing (doors, windows, lights, control surface markings, antennas etc.) color and size so we would kindly ask you to study the images very carefully (if you require higher resolution images please ask) to make sure that the model as you see is the 100% the same version you require or expect. If there are changes that you require or mistakes or deference's in relation to the real aircraft before ordering, please message us and we will setup an alternative listing to match your own requirements. We request your understanding on this matter due to the fact that these handmade models are traveling in many cases halfway around the world and any misunderstandings or mistaken expectations must be addressed at this as point of time as we cannot be held responsible for the costs involved in returning and replacing the model. The model will be shipped with the stand you see in the images although you may request if you like to change to either 1, 6 or 7 as in the attached image examples (just message us if a change is required.
It is our aim to continue to be a "sustainable" manufacturer avoiding the use of man-made materials wherever possible such as plastics, resins or metal in an attempt to reduce our Carbon Footprint and to protect our environment for generations to come. Our models are "works of art" and not to be confused with mass made plastic kits or diecast (die cast) look-alikes. We are proud Filipino's exporting to all parts of the globe and creating employment opportunities in an impoverished part of our country.
100% handmade models naturally come at a higher price than off the shelf, plastic or diecast (die cast) models but it may interest you to know that an average regular size fixed wing or helicopter model takes on average a total of 26 dedicated Man Hours of work to produce. During this time the model transitions through over 40 different manufacturing stages and processes. The 26 hours are not consecutive and require in-between many days (and in some cases weeks) of drying and curing time as they pass from one department to another making the overall production time from an outsiders point of view appear rather lengthy. Given these facts the time period we quote for production alone is very standard for our type of industry and among our close competitors. If you are interested in what goes into making these models, there follows a summary process schedule and video. Please click on the image below to start the video which will open in a separate page in your browser (the tab on in your browser for this page will still stay open so you can go back to the eBay listing):-
PlaneArts Manufacturing Process
Production video will open in a new window
The fully assembled model comes with a stained solid mahogany (or mahogany with steel arm) stand and is ready to display on your desk, bookcase or wherever you desire. The photographs you see have not been manipulated or digitally edited - they are exactly as the model looks in real life, but unfortunately even digital photography cannot do full justice to the look and feel of the model once you receive it!
PlaneArts have been producing models for over 20 years which are honed to perfection by the dexterity of our Skilled Master Craftsmen and carefully checked at all stages of manufacture by our dedicated Quality Assurance Team. We promote internationally on eBay to ensure our products get the best exposure worldwide. Due to a high level of demand and the huge diversity of aircraft types and liveries most models are made to order and take about 9-10 weeks to produce (excluding National and Public Holidays). You will also notice that we offer models often way below the price of other companies advertising on the eBay. We are able do this because of the direct manufacturing and selling basis of our business - models direct from the factory and not from an intermediary or trading / marketing company. All models are shipped internationally through FedEx, UPS or DHL Express Courier (Door to Door worldwide within about 3 business days). Fully traceable and insured against damage or loss).
Apart from those models you see in our eBay store - using your photos or images, we will make you a personalized replica model of your aircraft with your own individual paint scheme, logos, registration number, antennas and all the details that make your airplane special. You can even upgrade and personalize your model with a fully customized transparent interior to match your seats, colors, instrument panel and all other important interior details. Alternatively, we can copy any current or historic commercial or military airplane or helicopter that has ever flown just by giving us images or photos. Each meticulously detailed scale model is custom manufactured and precisely engineered to your exact specifications. We will build you a model that will not only meet your expectations but will go far beyond and with detail that will amaze you!
If you do not see the model you require in our eBay Store please message us on eBay with a description and images of what you require including the size or scale of the desired model and we will then do a dedicated listing for you on eBay. Our Customer Service Team will then help you with questions you may have and upon request update you on the status of your order. Our Production Team will work with you personally during construction until your model is ready to taxi on its journey to your own door in its foam fitted heavy duty export packaging.
To watch a video of the professional protective packing of PlaneArts models destined for all parts of the globe, please also click on the image below to start the video which will open in a separate page in your browser (the tab on in your browser for this page will still stay open so you can go back to the eBay listing)
Packing Process
Packing video will open in a new window
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The SR-72 DarkStar: Top Gun’s Visionary Marvel of Hypersonic Flight
In the realm of modern aviation, the SR-72 DarkStar stands as an emblem of cutting-edge aerospace technology and imaginative prowess. As a pivotal element in the film “Top Gun: Maverick,” this conceptual aircraft captivated audiences with its sleek design and groundbreaking capabilities. While the SR-72 is a product of imaginative storytelling, it draws inspiration from real-world advancements in hypersonic flight, making it a fascinating subject for aviation enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.
Design and Inspiration:
The SR-72 DarkStar is depicted as a successor to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, an aircraft renowned for its reconnaissance capabilities and unmatched speed. Designed to operate at hypersonic speeds—exceeding Mach 5—the SR-72 embodies the next frontier of aerospace innovation. The conceptual design features a futuristic, streamlined body optimized for high-speed travel, incorporating advanced materials and aerodynamic principles to withstand the extreme conditions of hypersonic flight.
Hypersonic Capabilities:
In “Top Gun: Maverick,” the SR-72 DarkStar is portrayed as a hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft capable of penetrating enemy airspace with impunity. Hypersonic technology represents speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5. At such velocities, the SR-72 would dramatically reduce reaction times and provide unprecedented strategic advantages, including rapid global reach and enhanced survivability against conventional threats.
While the SR-72 DarkStar is fictional, its design is inspired by real-world projects. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has been working on the SR-72, a hypersonic aircraft intended to succeed the SR-71. This real-world SR-72 aims to achieve similar hypersonic speeds, leveraging advanced propulsion systems such as turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines, which integrate traditional jet engines and scramjets for seamless acceleration to hypersonic velocities.
Cinematic Significance:
In “Top Gun: Maverick,” the SR-72 DarkStar plays a critical role in showcasing the evolution of aerial combat and reconnaissance. The aircraft’s inclusion highlights the film’s commitment to blending high-octane action with futuristic technological concepts. Its portrayal taps into the audience’s fascination with speed, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that characterizes both the aviation industry and the Top Gun franchise.
The SR-72’s cinematic presence also serves to inspire a new generation of aviators and engineers. By dramatizing the possibilities of hypersonic flight, the film underscores the importance of continual advancement and the role of cutting-edge technology in shaping the future of aviation.
Real-World Implications:
Though the SR-72 DarkStar remains a work of fiction, the principles it embodies are very much a part of current aerospace research. Hypersonic flight represents a significant leap in capability, with implications for both military and civilian applications. For military purposes, hypersonic aircraft could revolutionize surveillance, strike capabilities, and rapid global mobility. In the civilian sector, hypersonic transport holds the potential to drastically reduce travel times, making intercontinental flights a matter of mere hours.
The development of hypersonic technology faces numerous challenges, including thermal management, material science, and propulsion efficiency. However, the continued efforts by entities like Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and other aerospace innovators signal a future where hypersonic flight could become a reality.
Conclusion:
The SR-72 DarkStar from “Top Gun: Maverick” captures the imagination with its portrayal of hypersonic flight and advanced aviation technology. While the aircraft itself is fictional, it reflects real-world aspirations and ongoing research in the field of hypersonics. The DarkStar stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation that drives the aerospace industry forward, inspiring audiences and engineers alike to envision a future where the skies are not the limit but merely the beginning.