NASA buys 777

NASA has bought an ex-Japan Airlines 777-246, that had been stored at the Victorville Airport since May 2020. Total cost of the aircraft was under $30M. On December 15, it was flown to Langley AFB, as N774LG where it will undergo modification at the NASA Langley Research Center. Over the next several years the aircraft will receive extensive modification, and eventually it will replace the NASA DC-8, N817NA. NASA has been flying the DC-8 since 1985, and it was originally built in 1969. The aircraft has a host of various sensors and can be tailored for specific missions at need.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will replace their venerable Douglas DC-8 jetliner with a Boeing 777-246ER.

The triple seven, formerly operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) as JA704J (msn 32892/435), was stored at Victorville/Southern California Logistics (CA) since May 2020. On 15 December 2022, the aircraft flew with US registration N774LG from the storage airfield to Langley AFB (VA) where it will be modified with the NASA Langley Research Centre.

According to NASA's FY23 budget documents, the Boeing 777 was acquired in their FY22 budget for under USD 30 million.

www.scramble.nl...

a reply to: Zaphod58

I believe I've tracked the NASA DC-8 flying just 8000ft over Pennsylvania and other areas taking in Air Samples. I have a picture around here somewhere.

I was always amazed how well that aircraft was maintained all these years

The 777 will be a a huge improvement and more room for equipment.

S&F.
Thanks Zaph.👍

a reply to: Zaphod58