OSHKOSH— A rare Boeing 747SP that was once operated by NASA (NSY) has garnered substantial attention at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, an aviation exhibition that is held annually at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH).
Formerly called SOFIA, or the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, this Boeing 747SP was a joint NASA and DLR project that operated between 2014 and 2022.
It provided astronomers with a distinctive airborne platform to investigate the cosmos from above 99% of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere.
Boeing 747SP | Photo: NASANASA Boeing 747 SOFIA Project
NASA chose the Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) for the SOFIA mission because of its extended range and high-altitude capabilities.
Pan Am (PA) introduced the 747SP, a shortened version of the original Boeing 747, in the 1970s. The Special Performance variant can comfortably cruise at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (13,700 metres).
This made it an optimal platform for infrared astronomy, which necessitates minimal atmospheric interference. Meanwhile, the rear fuselage of the SOFIA houses a 2.7-metre (106-inch) reflecting telescope.
Following the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program, the NASA 747SP SOFIA Project helped scientists to perform precise astronomical observations during flight missions.
Since it was easily accessible for routine ground-based maintenance, SOFIA provided an invaluable service. With the Space Shuttle Program officially scrapped, space telescopes such as Hubble are rendered unserviceable.
Photo: Visit OshkoshBoeing 747SP Displayed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025
The Boeing 747SP displayed at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 is not SOFIA, but rather the Pratt & Whitney testbed. Although visually similar, this aircraft fulfils a distinct yet equally critical function.
Engineers use the distinctive fifth-engine mount above the cockpit of this 747SP to evaluate new jet engines in real atmospheric conditions at various altitudes.
Although the aircraft currently lacks a test engine, the protruding nacelle mount visibly showcases its capabilities.
The aircraft is accessible to the public for guided visits until July 24, providing aviation enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of one of Boeing’s most specialised widebody jets.
Photo: NASA/Kim ShiflettPratt & Whitney 747SP Testbed Potential
In September 2022, SOFIA completed its final flight, thereby concluding a distinctive chapter in the field of airborne astronomy. Nevertheless, the Pratt & Whitney 747SP testbed and its legacy continue to serve as a source of inspiration for aerospace innovation.
The renewed attention it drew at Oshkosh 2025 underscores the enduring fascination with the 747SP and the scientific feats it enabled.
The 747SP is an excellent example of an aircraft that serves as both a passenger carrier and a scientific instrument, illustrating the potential of adaptable airframes that are more than just conventional transportation.
The Boeing 747SP testbed is a critical intersection of commercial aviation and space science, and that makes it really special.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World, F-35B Leaves India
The post Rare Boeing 747SP Displayed at Largest Air Show in the World in 2025 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
