Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy - SOFIA
The Boeing 747SP is a jet airliner, a variant of the Boeing 747. Compared to the original 747, the 747SP has a shortened fuselage. Because of this, it can carry fewer passengers but is able to fly longer distances. The 747SP first flew in 1975 and entered service in 1976. A total of 45 747SPs was built until 1987.
Pan Am and Iran Air both requested an airliner that could fly long range. QANTAS also ordered two 747-SP examples for trans-Pacific routes.[2] One 747SP was modified into the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).
References
↑"747 Model Summary". Boeing. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2010. {{cite web}}: More than one of |archivedate= and |archive-date= specified (help); More than one of |archiveurl= and |archive-url= specified (help)