JC Wings 1:400 Series JC4NSA963
Boeing 747SP Diecast Model
NASA, N145UA SOFIA Observatory | |
| 1:400 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Boeing 747SP | | 5.5" | | 6" |
The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) was an 80/20 joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to construct and maintain an airborne observatory. SOFIA was based on a Boeing 747SP wide-body aircraft that had been modified to include a large door in the aft fuselage that could be opened in flight to allow a 2.5 m (8.2 ft) diameter reflecting telescope access to the sky. This telescope was designed for infrared astronomy observations in the stratosphere at altitudes of about 12 kilometres (41,000 ft). SOFIA's flight capability allowed it to rise above almost all of the water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere, which blocks some infrared wavelengths from reaching the ground. At the aircraft's cruising altitude, 85% of the full infrared range was available. The aircraft could also travel above almost any point on the Earth's surface, allowing observation from the northern and southern hemispheres. On December 8, 2022, NASA announced that both SOFIA and the Boeing 747SP used to carry the telescope will be preserved and put on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.
Known during development as the 747SB (short-body), the 747SP (special performance) was designed to meet a 1973 joint request from Pan American World Airways and Iran Air for a long-range, high-capacity airliner. The SP variant had a fuselage that was shortended by 47 feet while retaining the engines and fuel tank capacity, yeilding a higher speed and longer range than existing 747 variants. The 747SP first entered service with Pan Am in 1976 and in the years that followed, its record-setting range enabled Pan Am to offer the longest non-stop flights in the world, including New York - Tokyo, San Francisco - Hong Kong and Los Angeles - Sydney. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The JC Wings "1:400" range presents higly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of civilian aircraft in 1:400 scale.
JC Wings diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction, including wings and tail surfaces.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Permanently extended metal landing gear with rolling rubber tires.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
