BOEING 747SP (N747NA)

This is the SOFIA or Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy NASA B747SP which carries a large radar telescope in the rear section under the bulging cover which slides open to give it a clear uninterrupted view of the cosmos from high altitude. You can read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratospheric_Observatory_for_Infrared_Astronomy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratospheric_Observatory_for_Infrared_Astronomy Good to see SOFIA getting props. #Aviationgeek

Alan Hume, the telescope is for infrared, not radar.

I had a chance to fly this airplane when it was owned by United Airlines. Nice airplane, great range, but the fuel balancing was a real headache as it was so short coupled. Last of the three man crews from Boeing, the -400 was next out of Seattle.

Used to be based out of Palmdale - I;ll have to find my pix. lived under the north downwind leg and went over my backyard probably on training or Cert flights..

Matt Smith, Far as I know, Palmdale is still SOFIA's home base -- they just deploy for "TDYs" to other FBOs worldwide depending on what part of the sky a mission requires. When I was Chief Engineer for this program at L3 Communications where we did the aircraft mod, we supported the aircraft at both Dryden and Palmdale for flights to finish testing and to achieve IOC.

Sweet! Fond memories. I got to watch Sofia being created down in Waco back in the 00s. To my delight, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Harold Larson (U of Az) and listen to his explanation of the various instruments they would be using. I was astonished to learn how much 'stuff' they were packing in.