Aircraft Modification Process
The aircraft involved in the project, identified by serial
number 40116, will undergo a multi-phase modification process. According to
procurement documents, the first phase involves a comprehensive feasibility
assessment. This evaluation will determine the aircraft’s structural and
mechanical suitability for the rigorous flight profiles required to achieve
reduced gravity. During such missions, an aircraft performs parabolic
maneuvers—climbing at a steep angle before descending—to create brief periods of
weightlessness for the occupants and experiments on board.
The scope of work is extensive, requiring significant
alterations to the aircraft’s interior. The cabin will be modified to support
reduced-gravity operations, which typically involve removing standard seating,
installing safety padding, and adding specialized mounting points for
scientific hardware.
NASA Identifiers and Livery
In addition to the technical modifications, the aircraft
will undergo a complete exterior paint job, including official NASA identifiers
and livery. The project also addresses the airframe's operational readiness by
mandating that the contractor perform all overdue scheduled maintenance tasks.
Furthermore, the contract requires a full-life disposition for all permanent
modifications made during the aircraft’s previous programs, ensuring that the
airframe meets current safety and regulatory standards for its new role.
Sole-Source Contract
NASA/AFRC has indicated its intent to award the contract on
a sole-source basis to Denmar Technical Services, Inc. This decision is based
on the company’s current involvement with the specific aircraft; Denmar is
already providing modification services for serial number 40116, which NASA
suggests makes them the only provider capable of maintaining the necessary
continuity and technical oversight for the project's requirements.
Airborne Laboratory Capabilities
Reduced gravity flights are a critical component of the
international aerospace research ecosystem. They allow scientists to test
equipment, perform biological experiments, and train astronauts for the
conditions of space without the high costs of orbital missions. By adding a
Boeing 737-73W to its fleet, NASA aims to enhance its capacity for such
research, supporting future missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
The transition of serial number 40116 from a commercial
configuration to a NASA research asset marks a significant investment in the
agency's airborne laboratory capabilities.
Editor's note: The War Zone has a very interesting article about this Boeing 737-73W when it was registered with the U.S. Air Force.
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