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Aircraft Modification

Extensive modifications are underway in Waco, Texas to transform a 747sp aircraft into the the SOFIA observatory. L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, a principal player on the SOFIA team which is responsible for the aircraft's modifications will provide design engineering, airframe structual modification, telescope design integration and flight test activities to deliver a FAA-certified SOFIA Observatory.

Began in 1998, the modification process will take approximately 4 years. Major modifications include:

• retrofitting the aircraft's structual support system
• creating a cavity in the aircraft to house the telescope
• installating all required support systems
• retrofitting the interior to provide working areas for scientist and educators.

Putting a 3 meter telescope on an airplane has never been done before and poses many complex and challening problems for the engineers. One of the most challenging problem is keeping the aircraft steady while flying with a 20-ton telesecope in a huge hole in the rear of the plane that is opened to the sky.

To help ensure a successful modification, design and engineering solutions will be tested on a mock-up prior to work on the actural aircraft.

Click on the images below to follow the major stages of SOFIA's transformation as it undergoes the many complex modifications to become a world-class observatory.

Page Last Updated: February 17, 2004