Boeing 747SP

1h ago · © Unknown

NASA's SOFIA: the world’s only flying observatory, a highly modified Boeing 747SP, now retired and on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

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Boeing 747SP (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy - SOFIA)

Aircraft

747SP B742

NASA / DLR SOFIA Stratospheric Observatory livery

N747NA

Registration

Airline

NASA / DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

JK Imaging, Ltd. KODAK PIXPRO AZ425

Achievements

Retro Wings, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend, Boeing Beginner, Queen of the Skies, Tail Fin Collector, Frequent Spotter

8 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 75.0

Awesome capture of SOFIA! Image is a bit soft and hazy, but the profile and unique livery stand out well.

Location

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

PHX/KPHX

33.4353, -112.0060

Open map

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is a unique airborne observatory, a modified Boeing 747SP. It has greatly advanced infrared astronomy since its first flights in 2010.

Fleet Rarity

Sole flying 747SP in this configuration; only a handful of 747SPs still exist worldwide.

Record Flights

Flew at altitudes up to 13,700 meters (45,000 ft) to enable infrared observations above most of Earth\'s atmosphere.

Safety & Events

No major accidents. Historic flights included observations of celestial phenomena unobservable from ground-based telescopes.

Future Outlook

Retired in 2022; preserved at Pima Air & Space Museum as of 2023.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7J

Engine

59.6 meters

Wingspan

56.3 meters

Length

11,500 km

Range

988 km/h

Speed

up to 276 passengers (original); SOFIA equipment and crew (modified)

Capacity

316,000 kg

MTOW

19.3 meters

Height

21,500 kgf (211 kN, 47,500 lbf) per engine

Thrust

Stage 3 (ICAO)

Noise