NT-43A Radar Test Bed Spotted Supporting Artemis II Launch

The U.S. Air Force's NT-43A Radar Test Bed, also known as RAT55, has been making headlines after its appearance at NASA's Artemis II launch pad in Florida. The aircraft, built from a standard T-43 navigation trainer version of the Boeing 737-200, is heavily modified with two enormous radar arrays and additional sensor bays.

Its primary mission is to measure the radar cross-section of stealth aircraft, verifying their low-observable signature. However, recent sightings suggest RAT55 may be transitioning from a pure stealth support role to a broader sensor-platform one.

The Air Force confirmed that RAT55 will continue its legacy of excellence in supporting NASA's Artemis II launch by collecting data on the rocket's performance. This marks a new chapter for the aircraft, which has been flying for decades under classified missions.