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USAF RAT‑55 NT‑43A radar test‑bed 737 and WB‑57 rehearse in Artemis II launch airspace

USAF's secretive RAT‑55 (NT‑43A) radar test‑bed 737 has entered a new operational phase after flying under a NASA callsign in airspace reserved for the Artemis II launch. The NT‑43A and a WB‑57 performed rehearsals in restricted launch corridors to support the upcoming mission.

Discovered 2026-04-01T05:55:40.183423-07:00 | 2026-04-01T05:55:40.183423-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • USAF radar assets actively integrated into launch rehearsals: the NT‑43A RAT‑55 radar test‑bed 737 flew with a NASA callsign and, alongside a WB‑57, rehearsed operations in airspace reserved for Artemis II.
  • These flights validate airborne tracking and surveillance ahead of the crewed lunar flyby, reducing range and sensor risk for the mission.

Reported By

news.defcros.com aerospaceglobalnews.com FlightGlobal Aviation A2Z The Aviationist The War Zone
Sources Tracked
10
First Seen
2026-04-01T05:55:40.183423-07:00
Latest Update
2026-04-05T21:11:39.999406-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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