A secretive US Air Force jet was spotted at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.
Steve Douglass shot video of the NT-43A Radar Test Bed, also commonly referred to by the callsign RAT55, at the airport on Friday.
The NT-43A is a modified T-43 trainer which is believed to be used for evaluating the radar signatures of stealth aircraft.
(C) STEVE DOUGLASS
It played a role in Wednesday's launch of Artemis II which is taking four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the moon and back. It's NASA's first moon trip since 1972.
“After decades of flights supporting the Air Force in various roles, the NT-43A Radar Test Bed is being transitioned to start the next phase of its career,” an Air Force spokesperson told The War Zone. “Beginning with data collection during the launch of Artemis II, the NT-43A Radar Test Bed will continue its legacy of excellence in supporting some of our nation’s most important and technologically advanced capabilities.”
TWZ said the RAT 55 is understood to be based at the Tonopah Test Range Airport in Nevada, and has been seen at Area 51.
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(C) STEVE DOUGLASS
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