How I reconstructed the SR-71 Blackbird (in-depth research, 3D modelling, animation, and more)

The process for making my artwork has become quite involved, and it's my pleasure to share it with you. At 55 mins., the original SR-71 cutaway explainer video is my longest, most involved work yet!
The original SR-71 video:
• How the Lockheed SR-71...
Blender is free, open source software. Get into it!
www.blender.org/
00:00 Intro
02:16 Research
12:27 Modeling
18:58 Materials & Textures
27:44 Rigging
32:16 Animation
35:57 Music

[@SemperMaximus]

Making a 40min video to explain a 55minute video! What a legend! Thank you!

[@RobertCraft-re5sf]

Yeah, I really appreciate him showing the research photos and sources. I've never seen many of them before.

[@animagraffs]

oh there was so much more too, there always is with Animagraffs! and you're most welcome :D

[@Synaptic_gap]

Truly incredible! Your work is in a class all it's own. Would love to see your treatment of the Apollo lunar system, if you ever get around to it. @@animagraffs

[@khalilbtp3593]

A 55 min video that takes months to make.

[@felio_]

​@@animagraffsSo part 3 is confirmed?

[@onthe_brink]

bro just casually makes everything from scratch. this guy is on another level

[@Whisper555]

It's not a boast when he claims he is above average.

[@Lezarddd]

Making your own stuff from scratch should be the norm tbh. Still phenomenal work.

[@cristosocorromedina580]

💯

[@helplmchoking]

I mean, even Mustard, who we all know is pretty awesome at pairing gorgeous animations with great information, uses pre-made models. This guy is on a whole different level, the detail is amazing

[@JacoblaageKragh-gc4em]

"just allow me to warmly invite you to start exactly where you are and go from there" so nicely put!

[@animagraffs]

We gotta work with our own inner landscape, and we can't b.s. ourselves for long. To say we all haven't been burned by being too hopeful about an endeavor is probably a lie. But to, in turn, believe we're actually incapable is also not true. In the end, it comes down as a simple invitation to try, respecting all sides of ourselves. Both the weathered skeptic and the boundless inner child, and everyone probably has flavors of both that weigh in with every choice we make.

[@honor9lite1337]

​@@animagraffsUnderstood.

[@mbenn8168]

At school - the best teachers loved their subjects didn't they? Jake's enthusiasm says it all. It's a happy time when a new video pops up. Thanks man.

[@JohnSmith-mn4wf]

Please note you your channel is one of the best 3D graphics / educational channels in existence. Thanks for all your hard work and educating us all.

[@outdew7010]

I was a crew chief on the SR71 (971) and I loved the video one of the best I've seen... THANKS!

[@dannydetonator]

TY for your service.. from Europe!😅

[@romaaeterna1378]

Above average is an undestatement.

[@adrianqx]

The research alone would weed out 99.99% of people who would dare take on such a project , impressed is an understatement , great to see a man doing what he loves !!

[@ddontyy]

I dont know why you would use Blender Polygon modelling instead of an Actual CAD software that is designed for actual exact measurement and sub mm tolerances. Still impressive though.

[@Jixijenga]

@@ddontyy I believe I can answer that as I'm transitioning from writing novels to making visual media. I'm doing what he's doing, but while I'm learning how to do it. I started using "the 3D stuff"-back before I knew the terminology-when I was in high school in the early double-aughts. There wasn't much to do in rural Minnesota, so I wanted to make a game and back then pirating was both easier and more difficult all at the same time when compared to now. These days we are spoiled with options. My copy of 3DS Max wasn't working right so I went to the very unknown SketchUp, which had recently been acquired by Google. Everything I know about making something in a three-dimensional, digital space was self-taught in SketchUp, which fell in this weird crack between the different spaces. CAD software is, indeed, accurate down to sub-millimeter and this is vital for engineering projects that need exact tolerances in the real-world. You can't wing it where metal meets metal, or metal meets meat, because it just won't work. My mind works on this level-this is common among men who have to fabricate and fix things with no plans-and SketchUp can do it too. Many of my own fictional creations benefited from being able to just do it out of the box, to go where my mind took me, and when I decided to graduate to better tools I found that Blender really didn't encourage that kind of workflow. That's not what Blender is for, though. Even though we're seeing machines built with slide rules and mid-century grit-creations of men who thought down to the millimeter-we are watching them through a video. These are not technology demonstrations with exact tolerances so a shop somewhere can churn out parts. No, instead these are short films to explain how the technology works and cinema is not found inside of a millimeter. Nothing on the CAD side can hold a candle to Blender out of the box and as you saw in the video there is room to make it do much, much more. I hope that answered your question. (I also hope that I'm not stepping on Jake's toes here) Frankly, this is all for a video that entertains as well as informs and this is precisely where Blender shines brightest. Plus, it's free! :D

[@RomboutVersluijs]

​@@ddontyybecause he doesn't need to model precise, he models to get a message over to the viewer. The viewer won't see if the measurement are not 100% exact. Ps the initial comment was about research, not sure why you comment about poly modeling in blender to this?!

[@helplmchoking]

@@ddontyy Because you're modelling for rendering and VFX? CAD gives you ultra precise models that are perfect for validating designs, producing accurate measurements and tool paths for manufacture, materials analysis etc. but a big downside is it REQUIRES the perfect accuracy and all the technical details. You need to input precise measurements for every single part, which isn't available or necessary for this kind of model. He's not designing or building an aircraft, he's creating a 3d representation of the aircraft and yes he's trying to be as accurate as possible but CAD is unnecessary and frankly is for a completely different process. All that aside, the software used has nothing to do with the research the comment was praising

[@Northmaverick1]

The amount of research, preparation, and due diligence you put in is comparable to your 3D expertise! It's staggering! Thank you for your work! Absolutely the best!

[@victorwhitacre1885]

Don't stop. Your passion for modeling matches my curiosity. Looking forward to watching these when my son asks, "Daddy, how does that work?"

[@AlexMeyer.]

Thank you for this!! Col. Richard Graham was one of my associates, and I'm so proud every time I see his work being helpful to others.

[@robertg.2276]

It is just unbelivable that all this work is one man effort...level of detail,execution,script,video edit....one man band....unique on you tube...just unbelivable....respect...it would be nice to know how many mouse cliks and how many mouses are actually consumed for each project 😂😂😂...keep on doing what you do..can wait for next project

[@borge2014]

Please make longer videos, we do not tire of watching. Love you explained the music concept, and that is what I felt, gliding on space! Anybody out there wanting a 2hr video? Have to re-watch the original SR - 71 Animagraffs again, yay!

[@imCarlBrown]

Just outstanding! I watched the video all the way through. Then I watched it with my three sons. We’ve watched several of your videos and they’re awesome. I first learned about the Blackbird while in a library in the early 1980s. It’s such a testament to the human mind. Great job!

[@TheArchitect515]

My wife's grandfather was an SR-71 mechanic. He doesn't talk about it very much for some reason, but i think its really cool. I've been a big fan of the aircraft for years, and your video was the most in-depth information I've ever seen about it.

[@dingdong124578123456]

This channel deserves WAYYYYYYY more recognition! Imagine if you had multiple teams working on multiple projects you could be busting out videos left and right!

[@benrothstein9547]

I am a huge SR-71 fan and aerospace enthusiast with a curiosity of how things work. You've managed to capture detail of this jet that I've learned and had wanted to learn over my entire life in an hour long video. I was wondering how in the world the video was made. Thought it was a team of people to create such a complex presentation. To learn it was only you and a ton of research has me blown away. Well done and thanks for educating us. Subscription earned.

[@khayathicham]

Thank you. 55 minutes for the main video. Wonderful. 44 for the making of. Inspiring. You kept my attention all along. This level is just below the stars. Thank you.

[@williamromine5715]

Your enthusiasm(sp) spreads to your viewer. I am 82 and computer ignorant, and have no idea how you produce such beautiful videos. I have been looking at You/Tube since 2020, and stumbled on your channel only recently, but I am so glad I did. Thank you for your hard work in producing your videos.

[@rutgervitez4438]

Your Blender skills are absolutely insane. Keep up the good work 👍

[@methylmike]

dude! this one went sooo hard the engines blew my mind

[@lukasvonniederhausern6153]

People like you truly keep the spirit of the Internet alive.

[@Quoth_]

It warms my heart to see your eyes light up when looking at these old schematics and your passion is easily seen and it's very infectious! Thank you!

[@stevej061069]

This is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most impressive things I have EVER watched. The actual video is a stunning piece of work but this really goes a long way to demonstrating the insane degree of work behind it. I salute you. Incredible.

[@auntbarbara5576]

You are the best kind of teacher. Jake, if kids had instructors like you they would be blessed indeed.

[@payfusion]

I have never found a reason to comment on YT. In today's world, it is extremely rare not to find a single negative comment (on the work you have shared) is a testament of the perfection that you have acheived. You deserve every compliment that you have been showered upon. I am truly inspired by your dedication to your craft. I can't wait for you to release your next piece of work.

[@mbraun777]

Years ago, it may have been necessary to write Fortran code to describe a pattern of nodes in some type of coordinate system, possibly spherical, then write more Fortran code to define node connectivity for elements, finally loading all that info into Ansys to generate part of a 3D model. Since then, I've had to completely relearn CAD, for work, as well as play, as in game meshes. What you are doing is so much more than mesh creation. This is cinematic. I can say, having done my share of hunting for dimensions and creating 'dummy' parts, you exhibit a love for what you do - a satisfaction in a job well done. I wish you success.

[@animagraffs]

You're one who posses the old knowledge of talking to the machine directly! lol, much respect, really. While we have extrapolations on extrapolations now, knowing what's underneath things always makes a craftsperson sharper. I downloaded "pov-ray" in the 90s. It's a bare ray-tracer software, where I had to write code to make a scene. I had no idea modeling software even existed. It was wondrous even so, and I stayed up many late nights making 3D scenes with code. As an artist at heart, the math-y side is really difficult for me. But I can see how it shaped me!

[@rickrudd]

This is brilliant. The level of high level understanding you have to acquire to produce these videos is awe-inspiring.

[@gonzametal9677]

I'm studying 3D with Blender, that's how I found your channel, and I was inspired by it, far from discouraged, your work motivated me to go further, so than you very much sir!

[@Chris-qc2kd]

Dude, you are not just a 3D artist, you are THE 3D artist. Your dedication to these videos and artistic skills are extraordinary. Keep up the excellent work!

[@jhamptonjr]

If I had been born 15 or 20 years later than I was I might understand blender. I can't believe blender had the tools to make this possible. Thank you for putting all this effort into this!

[@geraldstokes5661]

I worked on the blackbird , from 66 thru 69, it is quite a aircraft. Ur doing a good job with ur drawings...

[@StratoArt]

You sir are an inspiration!!! Coming from a KC-135T crew chief who refueled my jet with JP-7 for the Blackbird (and JP-8 for the tanker itself) for one of the last SR-71 missions in 1998.

[@markp.9707]

Thank you for your service and what a role you played sir. Bless you and your family.

[@dobermanGTS]

Your job and dedication are insane. The documentary is amazing. Thank you good sir

[@Autorotate5]

Your work is absolutely spectacular! I'm a 68 year old former helicopter pilot. Thank you for your outstanding detail

[@Spaceqowboy]

Man your enthusiasm is so great to see! I got mad respect for the level of detail you put in. I’ve been drooling over the SR71 (favorite plane of all time) and the F1 racecar. Keep on going!

[@ferociousfrankie]

I think the coolest thing you did was convey the "spookiness" of the blackbird. It was so advanced for its time and was so innovative it was almost alien. You captured that in educational content which is hard to do.

[@MadEyeMose]

Astonishing accomplishment. I was fortunate enough to be assigned as a aircraft mechanic to 9th OMS from 1986 - 90. Most engine repairs were checked out with basically an idle run in the hanger. Occasionally components replaced required a full after burner run. If the SR-71 was run at much above idle while in the hanger, the hanger could be damaged. Full afterburner test required towing the aircraft for more than a mile to the edge of the runway. The SR would be connected to the run-up pad with two 3" 12' long rods and bolts. Airmen (me) would run the start cart, and then stand by the fire extinguishers just in case the grass caught fire. We would have contests for a picture of beer to see who could step closest to the afterburner. I could get close enough that I could no longer tell if my feet were still in contact with the ground, and still lost to a guy who weighed 20 lbs less than me. We would also toss rocks into the diamond and enjoy the splash of the rock on the blast deflector. The trick is to watch the blast wall as you toss the rock and hit the diamond. How fast would those rocks be traveling? Beal run-up pad: 39.12308676335525, -121.422495740995151

[@PASquared]

This is truly a mindboggling commitment for one video, and it is so greatly appreciated. Incredible!

[@Vastafari34]

There's a helicopter (Sikorsky H-60) that the Army, Navy, Airforce, and Coast Guard all use because of its power, reliability, and versatility. It is one one the MOST famous and versatile helicopters in our great military. It would be a service to our nation and all the great men and women who work on, and fly in these amazing aircrafts if you did a video on the Sikorsky H-60. Each branch uses the same base model, but then outfits them specifically for their needs. For instance, the Army's Black Hawk has a different assortment of accessories compared to the Coast Guard's Jay Hawk. Even though the base model Sikorsky H-60 has different models (Black Hawk, Sea Hawk, Pave Hawk, Jay Hawk and other's as well), a video on the the base model H-60 would very easily become a primary training tool for EVERY branch of the military and it would be used for decades to help our great service men and women become better familiarized with the planes they work on and fly to help recue citizens at home and protect our freedoms over seas.

[@infontay]

Protect our freedoms overseas? You mean war monger and terrorize smaller countries for financial gain and power for corrupt politicians?

[@franciscobizzaro]

Sounds like a plan!

[@Epic_Eggroll]

I love this idea, I think he would have a lot of fun dabbling into helicopters.

[@Vastafari34]

My friend is a rescue swimmer for the USCG and he took some time to show me the basics at the top of the plane where some of the flight controls connect to the wings, and it is truly a remarkable beast.

[@Epic_Eggroll]

@@Vastafari34 Man that sounds amazing, i really interested in being a rescue swimmer

[@dannalbob]

I had a giant SR-71 poster up in my room as a kid... I still think it's the most badass looking plane.

[@tortap]

Hold up! So you learned all the mechanics for an entire secret spy plane, built it in 3d, animated and narrated it... And then you composed the music that goes with it? Mindblowing

[@jason1440]

That SR71 video was a nice piece of work. I came across it and sent it to my father, and he really enjoyed it. He really liked the Big Boy steam train engine as well.

[@politicsuncensored5617]

I just found your channel recently & enjoy it greatly. Your how to video on the SR-71 is the best. People get to see your great enthusiasm in what you do and that transfers to the viewer like myself. I have been building model ships since I was 12, but stopped about 5 years ago. I find it relaxing and enjoyable watching videos like you make rather than staring at a TV screen. Thank you for all the long hours and hard work that you do. PJ

[@profil4e]

As promised, Animagraffs delivered! One of the best upcoming channels on YT, and already 1mil+. More than deserved, all your productions are top-notch quality and incredibly interesting to watch, absolutely love it! I won't be one of these people like ""oh, do a video on f-15 next" or whatever, bro even if you did a video on a fricking steamroller I'd still sit down to watch it! xD

[@matthewsmith8249]

This was a masterwork. Best treatment on the A-12-SR-71 that I have ever seen. Amd I think I have seen them all.

[@OrangeDurito]

The sheer brilliance contained in this video is so overwhelming that my artistic skills feel almost negligible. But as you said in the beginning not to feel like that, I would like to shrug that off and actually strive to reach this stage. You are an engineer, a programmer, a 3D artist, a musician - you are like a ONE MAN ARMY of an inventive mind that can connect with common people!!! You sir are an inspiration.

[@animagraffs]

I'm absolutely sure that what you bring to the table is different than what I bring, no matter the skill level. And the world needs authenticity like it needs water, so even your smallest efforts bring a different flavor into existence, even if only you see them. Also thanks for your compliments, it's awesome to hear from folks who appreciate my art :)

[@theonetoparty]

your videos are epic, but what makes you a true legend is the opening of this video, it was sweet and crazy nice to encourage people to try getting involved, please continue doing what you do

[@valdoltra]

I tend to re-watch your every video at least three times... Once alone so I can learn stuff and once with my kid so I can explain stuff to him and the third time to find answers to questions he pops when we watch together :) Thank you for this!

[@melissaverdezoto7097]

Bro you have such a huge talent, tanks to you I can learn and study all about engineering my future dream.I am learning this from a young age

[@RadianIndustries]

Technology: from the Greek tekhnologia ‘systematic treatment’, from tekhnē ‘art, craft’. Seeing the process and technique behind the art is simply awesome. Thank you!

[@nschlaak]

I really enjoy the fruits of your diligence and hard labor putting this fascinating material together for us viewers. My solace is in the idea that you really enjoy your work.

[@miketaylor3947]

I think you are much more than a graphics designer, this is amazing and the SR-71 is one of my favorites. Getting access to the pilot handbook, amazing.

[@TheAnimeist]

Thank you for the shrinkwrap trick. Love your work.

[@maxilogan75]

Thanks. This is the second video I see with the behind the scenes, and as blender amateur and a trainer myself who likes to have everything under control, this is such an inspiration, even more than it was just watching your other videos!

[@meanderinoranges]

This video simply oozes passion and dedication. I'd like to think your work will be admired for generations.

[@TovarasSanders]

have over 20 years experience as a designer, and am using Blender occasionally, and thank You so much for starting Your video as You did, because I was close to sell my laptop and go flip burgers at McDonalds. Outstanding skills, am starting to put in serious hours into Blender now...

[@Joseph-fw6xx]

U definitely put a lot of work into your videos and it's greatly appreciated people love this stuff

[@ToddLara729]

Thanks for sharing your talents and for freely giving others the opportunity to learn from you.

[@LFSPharaoh]

18:30 that’s the type of attention to detail I love. It’s the type of things I try to incorporate whenever I can in something I’m making.

[@Argelius1]

Above and beyond your skill in creating the models, you are GREAT at explaining things in an easy-to-understand way that never sounds condescending. Love your videos.

[@jayeshmoore3922]

Your attention to detail and dedication to the work is admirable, I cannot wait for more videos

[@benkruck1355]

Absolutely wonderful to see all the work and detail step by step that goes into these quality videos. Definitely going to appreciate it even more when I watch it

[@johnlehew8192]

Wow, someone’s more addicted to the SR71 than I am! Fantastic job

[@jadenreimer4753]

Thank you for your generosity, humility, and insane attention to detail to pull off these animations

[@jamesmck896]

It’s amazing that would work has reached the pilots and the awesome people who built and designed this incredible aircraft Well done 👍

[@mohammedayaanghugharia]

This, is just really mind blowing, the research, finding all the possible media you could and looking deep into what you find to analyse even the little things, and the animations themselves are incredible too! Good luck with your future videos, the product of labour, immense skill and love is always beautiful.

[@Coverly]

Have seen a few now & it's superb content. You've found a job you love Jake & you are good at it = never having to work a day again in your life. Warm regards from Denmark.

[@kevinkerlin5603]

Thanks for all the work you’ve done on your channel for educational purposes.

[@brandonm3674]

One of the most fascinating videos I’ve ever watched and I am an enthusiast. Thank you sir!

[@Max-ju6be]

You are amazing. As a mechanical engineering student, your videos are extremely helpful in understanding some of the topics that I am curious in. Thank you!

[@Noble909]

Your video on the Blackbird is an outstanding example of your gifted ability to present essential information in a logical and understandable way. Above all else you're just an amazing instructor.

[@googlinstuff8910]

Fell in love with the Victory breakdown, which I toured 1000 years ago. Thank you for sharing the overview. Superman.

[@joymukherjee8531]

Absolute legendary work and it truly shines watching it. Keep it up mate as you've raised the bar!

[@MauricioA666]

It's amazing seeing the way you create these videos. Thanks a lot for your work. I learned a lot of the SR-71. I was shocked by the navigation system: astro inertial navigation system. I would like to learn more about it. Also, the mechanics that manage the flight controls its out of this world. Thanks a lot again!!! Greetings from Rionegro, Colombia.

[@KarimAktouf]

Such a privilege to have you explain how you did this wonderful work of art. You are such an inspiration!

[@lisdraw4715]

I love your videos! I watched all your videos twice. Best 3d modeler in yt! One of the most important things in this type of content is the narrator's voice. A calm deep voice really helps to dive into whatever topic you choose.

[@nonalcoholicmartini]

Jake your attention to detail is otherwordly. Thank you for making these awesome BTS videos in addition to all the other awesome content you have

[@Bobby-ot7td]

I fell in love with the SR-71 when I was like 10 or something. My family went to the Museum of Flight in Seattle, and I swear to god, the moment I saw the SR-71 my heart was captured by it. Of course I did not know the absolute insanity that went into this aircraft, but I still fell in love nonetheless. Over the past 15 or so years, that love has not been tempered in the slightest, and I have to say, your video brought me a massive amount of joy. I could see myself watching this time and time again in the coming years. Do not ever stop. There are many people who have a passion for learning, whether they know it or not, and these videos are some of the greatest I have ever had the pleasure of watching. I can only hope that this video, as well as all your others, can inspire and bring joy to others the same way they do with me. Never change man.

[@shumanimalange215]

i respect you sir.. you are skilled or gifted.. talented also.

[@SuperOppapa]

Bro, everything you do is a huge job! Thank you for sharing all your emotions and the colossal nuances of the workflow

[@Jack-ur5or]

You sir, are a true genius I have been around the SR71 your production is spot on!

[@janass2956]

I love your introduction, straight to the point

[@ericroberts5308]

It’s inspiring listening to someone who’s so passionate about their work. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@emilmikhailov7506]

Absolutely amazing! Fantastic work, thoroughly enjoyed both videos 👏

[@C-A-L-M]

bro you're such a help to this world and you're so encouraging to me i appreciate that. I haven't got any qualifications in mechanical engineering but im making my own formula 4/3 in the backyard with superbike 1 liter engine. with so much info online in my pocket and in my computer i feel that i dont need to go and take 3 year courses. im learning at a decent pace cos of ppl like you providing in depth knowledge. pls continue to share and educate and encourage creation and innovation

[@hangar4851]

Your work, the didactic elaborqtion as well as the in-depth information quality is superb! Hang on, chapeau!

[@User-inthemorning]

As a current engineering student I find these videos extremely helpful. And that they are free to watch is just amazing! Thank you so much for uploading this type of content, you do it so well! Keep up the good work!

[@carlnielsen3833]

I frikken love these videos. What viewer can watch and not be in awe at how much work and ingenuity go into each project ? Incredible 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@Oscarlbdeb]

The work you put in is incredible, true talent!

[@a7madness210]

i really admire your english speaking skills, for a non native english speaker.. i truly get inspirations from your way of speaking, some may think learning language from an insane detailed video is weird but that the beautiful thing, even the unnoticed details you do people get inspired from... thank you sir and all the best

[@sw653j]

"I know that I am above average, talented." Watch this to the end and you understand what an understatement this is...

[@svenheger2266]

Truly stunning piece of work and so well explained alongside such a humble way to deliver this. Thanks so much for sharing this. Both the Behind the scenes video and the actual video are just sooooooo informative. Make something look easy is were the skill comes in. Thanks Bro for your dedication and sharing this amazing work. STUNNING!!!

[@StephenB2005]

Thank you for your work! Excellent final product. Very informative and easy to consume.

[@kgoeletsomashimphahlele7832]

Wooow, this is evident that everyday is a opportunity to be blown away!🔥 Thank you for this masterpiece, and from what ive just seen, I keep appreciating the hardwork behind your content, big shout out!

[@gaveintothedarkness]

I really enjoy these behind the scenes videos. I dont do any animation but I bet a lot of people can learn a lot from your tips.

[@evanhodgson4141]

Your video on the SR-71 had me absolutely amazed. Still thinking about that input mixer, truly magnificent. And just the idea of elerons in general seems so cool that it worked so well

[@chadx8269]

Amazing video, your enthusiasm and excellence of detail is contagious. Thank you for sharing.

[@cyan123]

truly amazing work. impressed by all your vids and this one is the best so far.

[@tigerlee7189]

Thank you for creating amazing graphical animations that required hundreds of hours of work for educational purposes across all ages.