Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

A Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) is one of two modified Boeing 747 jetliners that NASA uses to transport a space shuttle orbiter. They were originally manufactured for commercial use. One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a 747-100SR (short range). The two aircraft are identical in appearance and in their performance as Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

The SCAs are used to ferry space shuttles from landing sites back to the launch complex at the Kennedy Space Center, and also to and from other locations too distant for the orbiters to be delivered by ground transportation. The orbiters are placed atop the SCAs by Mate-Demate Devices, large List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers
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