The Boeing 757 Testbed: From Commercial Airliner to Military Marvel

The Boeing 757, originally built to revolutionize narrowbody airliners, is now playing a crucial role as a testbed for the United States military and, more specifically, for the F-22 Raptor. This aircraft, which was never delivered for commercial use, has undergone significant modifications to aid in the development and enhancement of the F-22 fighter jet’s technology.

Since its conception over 40 years ago, the Boeing 757, with tail number N757A, has been at the forefront of the aircraft test program. While over 1,050 Boeing 757s were built from 1981-2004, N757A remained with Boeing for testing purposes. It was heavily involved in the early testing and development of the F-22 Raptor, having the fighter jet’s avionics installed prior to the first Raptor even taking flight.

The N757A underwent significant modifications for its role as a testbed, with its interior housing a mock-F-22 cockpit where test avionics are operated. One of the most noticeable external changes is the sensor wing attached to the top of the forward cabin. This sensor wing, along with an F-22 radar housed in the forward section of the 757 nose, enables the aircraft to support the rigorous testing requirements of the F-22’s advanced technology.

In the present day, the United States Air Force continues to utilize the capabilities of N757A for ongoing upgrades to the F-22 Raptor. The majority of these upgrades are centered on software-based enhancements to bring the F-22 to modern capabilities. As a result, the 757 testbed flies regularly, conducting testing at both Edwards Air Force Base in California and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Rachel Kitzmann, the Boeing Agile Integration Laboratory F-22 Lead Test Director, emphasized the vital role of N757A in the current testing of the F-22’s technology. She highlighted the aircraft’s ability to fly with prototype software that has not undergone formal operational flight clearance, providing an early look at developmental software and problem fixes before release to the F-22 test engineers. Additionally, the testbed has the capability to load different software solutions while in flight, enabling efficient testing of multiple configurations on a single flight and ultimately saving significant costs for the USAF.

As the F-22 Raptor continues to be a critical component of the United States Air Force, the invaluable role of the Boeing 757 testbed in advancing its technology cannot be understated. With its extensive modifications and capabilities, N757A is an essential asset in ensuring that the F-22 remains at the forefront of modern military aviation.

Source: The Aviationist, Edwards Air Force Base