Gulfstream III - LaRC

Current Status
APEX (HALO) (ends 11/15/24)

The NASA Langley Research Center received authorization from NASA Headquarters on September 18, 2017 to acquire three excess C-20B Gulfstream III aircraft from the U.S. Air Force. Two of these aircraft are used as parts support for the Agency, and the third aircraft is used for research. The research G-III (C-20B) aircraft, designated NASA 520, replaced the Dassault HU-25A Guardian aircraft (NASA 524). The research aircraft arrived at NASA Langley on December 7, 2017. NASA Langley has installed the following features:  an engine hush kit; research power distribution system; intercom system; dropsonde capability; and, two nadir portals in the fuselage. The hush kit enables the aircraft to be Stage III noise compliant, allowing the aircraft to deploy nationwide and worldwide without requiring engine noise waivers. The nadir portals allow the aircraft to install earth science sensors, as is possible with the Center’s B200 King Air aircraft, NASA 529.

Owner/Operator
NASA Langley Research Center
Type
Twin Turbofan Business-class Aircraft
Duration
7.5 hours (payload and weather dependent)
Useful Payload
2,610 lbs
Gross Take-off Weight
69,700 lbs
Onboard Operators
10
Max Altitude
45000
Air Speed
459 knots
Range
3,767 Nmi
NASA SMD User Fee per Hour
$3300
Point(s) of Contact
Individual Aircraft Details
N520NA (NASA 520) based at NASA Langley
Year built
1986
Year entered ASP/IOC service
2020