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Browsing Tag: SpeedBirdHD

Epic Video: Korean Air Lands and Takes Off at LAX — Gangnam Style

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I have almost  gotten over my addiction with Gangnam Style (don’t judge me), sung by South Korean author Psy. It does not help when SpeedbirdHD recently posted a video highlighting Korean Air flights to/from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the song Gangnam Style. Two of my favorite things combined, equals I want to share. The video shows Korean Air’s Airbus A380, A330, Boeing 747-400 and 777-300ER at LAX.

Even if you are sick and tired of the song, hit mute or put on your own tunes and watch this video.

Video of NASA’s Boeing 747-123 (N905NA) Last Take Off as a Shuttle Carrier

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What is better than a classic Boeing 747-100? One that carries a frek’n space shuttle. This is an epic video, but at the same time it is sad. This documents N905NA’s final flight as a Shuttle Carrier from LAX to Dryden Flight Research Facility completed on September 24, 2012. The second Shuttle Carrier (N911NA)  was retired on February 8, 2012.

NASA will continue to use N905NA to research reducing turbulence produced by larger aircraft.

BONUS: Video of both 747 shuttle carriers flying in formation

N905NA doing its job, carrying the shuttle Discovery in April 2012. Photo by jsmjr / Flickr.

N905NA doing its job, carrying the shuttle Discovery in April 2012. Photo by jsmjr / Flickr.

This 747-100 was originally delivered to American Airlines in 1970 as N9668. In 1974, NASA took ownership and was converted to a Shuttle Carrier.

From NASA’s website, the features that distinguish the two SCAs from standard 747 jetliners are:

  • Three struts with associated interior structural strengthening protrude from the top of the fuselage (two aft, one forward) on which the orbiter is attached.
  • Two additional vertical stabilizers, one on each end of the standard horizontal stabilizer, to enhance directional stability.
  • Removal of all interior furnishings and equipment aft of the forward No. 1 doors.
  • Instrumentation used by SCA flight crews and engineers to monitor orbiter electrical loads during the ferry flights and also during pre- and post-ferry flight operations.

Thanks to SpeedBirdHD for taking and sharing this video.