NASA takes delivery of L3Harris’ upgraded next-generation research aircraft

WACO, Texas — L3Harris Technologies, working with Yulista, has delivered a next-generation flying laboratory to NASA five weeks ahead of schedule, a heavily modified Boeing 777 designed to provide Earth science data to researchers worldwide.

Engineers completed extensive structural changes to accommodate advanced scientific instruments and support 50 to 100 onboard operators, enabling missions of up to 18 hours at a maximum altitude of 43,000 feet for NASA’s Airborne Science Program. The aircraft, to be based at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, is intended to support studies of atmospheric composition, ocean health, natural disasters and Earth’s interconnected systems, spanning environments from remote Arctic regions to tropical ecosystems.

“This platform represents a leap for NASA’s airborne science mission,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, L3Harris. “The enhanced range, capacity and flexibility accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and help translate observations into actionable insights for policymakers, emergency responders and communities worldwide.”

L3Harris applied advanced engineering techniques, including 3D scanning and specialized installation tooling, to make the platform compatible with a wide range of scientific payloads. The aircraft will become NASA’s largest platform for airborne science, adding new capabilities following the retirement of the NASA DC-8.