NASA Armstrong’s 2026 Fleet Expansion
Two F-15s and a Pilatus PC-12 join the research fleet, bolstering the center’s diverse capabilities.
NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, relies on its ground crews to maintain a fleet of specialized aircraft for research and science missions. In 2026, the center added two F-15s and a Pilatus PC-12 to its lineup, joining existing platforms such as the ER-2 and X-59.
Maintenance Crew Roles
Each aircraft is supported by a team of specialists with distinct responsibilities:
- Crew chief: Responsible for overall aircraft integrity.
- Avionics technician: Specializes in navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
- Quality assurance personnel: Oversee maintenance work to ensure standards are met.
- Mechanics: Assigned to each aircraft for hands-on repairs.
Daily Operations
On any given day, multiple Armstrong aircraft are airborne, undergoing scheduled maintenance, or receiving modifications. As of the latest report, the C-20A was flying in Peru and Panama, the X-59 was flying twice daily with a chase plane, and the ER-2 was in Colorado supporting the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx).
"Working with both civilian and military aircraft is challenging but rewarding due to the team's capability and expertise."
— Jose "Manny" Rodriguez, NASA Armstrong Gulfstream G-IV crew chief
Adapting to Change
Jose "Manny" Rodriguez, NASA Armstrong Gulfstream G-IV crew chief, emphasized that maintenance teams must constantly adapt to changes, such as instrument loading or aircraft reconfiguration. Each aircraft has a dedicated crew chief, and the crew chief's signature, together with the pilot's, confirms the aircraft is safe for flight. He noted that the diversity of the fleet—operating both civilian and military aircraft—presents unique challenges, but the team’s expertise makes the work highly rewarding.