Hasegawa Space Shuttle Orbiter & Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier 1/200 Scale Model Kit

Space Shuttle Orbiter & Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier

This Hasegawa 1/200 scale model kit recreates one of the most distinctive sights in aerospace history, a NASA Space Shuttle mounted atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Following the retirement of the Space Shuttle programme, these transport aircraft became an important part of preserving and relocating the orbiters to their final museum homes. This kit captures that unique partnership in a highly detailed display model.

The set includes both the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and a Space Shuttle Orbiter, allowing builders to recreate ferry flights undertaken throughout the shuttle programme. The Boeing 747 model consists of approximately 70 parts and measures 350mm in length with a wingspan of 298mm when completed. The orbiter comprises approximately 22 parts and measures 185mm in length with a wingspan of 118mm.

Marking options allow the model to represent several famous orbiters, including Endeavour, Enterprise, Discovery and Atlantis. Decals are also provided for both NASA’s older and newer markings, including aircraft N905NA and N911NA. Additional details include pilot names and flight markings carried by the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft during operational service. An exhibition stand is included, providing an attractive way to display the completed model.

This kit is suitable for intermediate modellers and offers an excellent project for aviation and space exploration enthusiasts. Glue and paints are sold separately.

• 1/200 scale plastic model kit
• Includes Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
• Includes Space Shuttle Orbiter
• Boeing 747 contains approximately 70 parts
• Space Shuttle contains approximately 22 parts
• Completed Boeing 747 size: 350mm length, 298mm wingspan
• Completed Shuttle size: 185mm length, 118mm wingspan
• Display stand included
• Marking options for Endeavour, Enterprise, Discovery and Atlantis
• NASA N905NA and N911NA decals included
• Old and new NASA logo options provided
• Suitable for intermediate modellers

History

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft programme was developed by NASA to transport Space Shuttle orbiters between landing sites, maintenance facilities and launch locations. Two specially modified Boeing 747 aircraft, N905NA and later N911NA, were adapted to carry the orbiters externally on their upper fuselage. Extensive modifications included strengthened structures, attachment points and aerodynamic enhancements to safely transport the spacecraft.

These aircraft became familiar sights during the Space Shuttle era, particularly when returning orbiters from landing sites in California back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Following the retirement of the Space Shuttle programme in 2011, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft undertook a final series of highly publicised flights, delivering Discovery, Enterprise, Endeavour and Atlantis to museums across the United States. The combination of a Boeing 747 carrying a Space Shuttle remains one of the most iconic images in modern aerospace history.