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Rare sighting of NASA's SOFIA Boeing 747SP airborne observatory on approach, a one-of-a-kind platform for infrared astronomy.
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Spotter's notes
Landing at March ARB the day before heading to the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Aircraft identity
Registration
N747NA
ICAO Type
B742
Model
747SP (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy - SOFIA)
Manufacturer
Boeing
Airline
NASA (United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Livery
NASA / SOFIA special livery
Military
Civilian
Technicals
Engine
Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7J
Thrust
222 kN (50,000 lbf) per engine
Wingspan
59.6 m
Length
56.3 m
Height
19.3 m
MTOW
315,700 kg
Range
11,500 km
Capacity
Typically crew and scientists (SOFIA interior, not passenger service)
Cruise Speed
988 km/h
Noise Rating
ICAO Chapter 3, ~105 dB on takeoff
Location
Airport Code
RIV/KRIV
Airport Name
March Air Reserve Base
Viewing Spot
Staging area
Camera
Device
iPhone 17 Pro Max