Tag Archives: testbed

Has the Catfish Escaped Me? NO!

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Rob

The first Boeing 757 built was kept by Boeing as a test aircraft and never went to an airline.  When Boeing became a partner in the F-22 Raptor program, a new use was found for the aircraft.  It was fitted … Continue reading →

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AWACS Oddity

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Rob

A number of different airframes have been used for airborne early warning requirements. The Boeing E-3 Sentry is the most well-known but there have been a number of other types over the years. SAAB developed a radar system that has … Continue reading →

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Rolls’ Testbed Flies While I Am There – Twice!

Posted on June 30, 2016 by Rob

On my previous visit to Tucson, I saw the Rolls Royce owned Boeing 747 engine testbed.  This was converted for the Boeing 787 Trent engine development program (hence the registration N787RR).  The Number Two engine was removed and replaced with … Continue reading →

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Northrop Grumman Testbeds

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Rob

Every once in a while I am looking for things to include in the blog from previous photographic outings. I was discussing an aircraft with an unusual radar installation which will now show up in an upcoming blog post as … Continue reading →

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Rolls Royce Testbed

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Rob

Something I hadn’t seen before was the Boeing 747 that Rolls Royce own and use as a testbed for the Trent 1000 engine on the Boeing 787. Appropriately registered N787RR, this was parked up close to a road. I actually … Continue reading →

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