Inside look at the world’s most bizarre aircraft NASA Super Guppy unconventional landing from the pilot’s POV

  • Super Guppy by NASA is an oddball among aircraft
  • It had been the backbone of several NASA missions
  • Here’s a pilot’s POV of Super Guppy touchdown at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Published on Sep 19, 2024 at 6:40 PM (UTC+4)
by Daksh Chaudhary

Last updated on Sep 19, 2024 at 6:40 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

NASA’s Super Guppy aeroplane could easily be seen as an oddball among aircraft.

With its bulbous, rounded body, it’s in the conversation for the most unusual aircraft ever built.

Any aviation fan would be fascinated to see this giant landing, especially if given a chance to see it from a pilot’s POV.

A captivating video of the Super Guppy touchdown at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force was recorded on 22nd August 2012, when the giant delivered the Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer.

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Pilot’s POV of Super Guppy

As the Super Guppy approached the runway, it seemed like a normal landing.

However, as the camera angle changed, you can notice how much the aircraft shook, compared to more conventional planes. This shaking might be due to the plane’s unique design.

The cockpit of this massive plane by NASA is also somewhat different than what you expect from a regular plane, reflecting its unusual design.

One of the most notable differences in its landing process was how it rested on the runway.

Typically, when an airplane lands, the rear tires touch down first.

However, with the Super Guppy, it’s the front tire that makes contact with the runway first.

This unusual landing style is a result of its distinctive design.

A crucial aircraft for NASA missions

Despite its strange appearance and landing style, the Super Guppy was the backbone of several NASA missions, including the famous Apollo missions.

Its ability to carry oversized cargo made it an essential part of the space agency’s operations for many years.

The original Aero Spacelines Super Guppy cargo plane retired in 1991 but was replaced by its younger version not long after.

Super Guppy may look odd, but its contribution to space exploration makes it a memorable aircraft in aviation history.


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Daksh Chaudhary

Meet Daksh: Not your typical pro, but definitely a pro at being fascinated by supercars, tech, and all things futuristic. When he's not nose-deep in work, catch him glued to anime screens or lost in the pages of a good book.