Summary

  • VOODOO 1, a repurposed Boeing 727, features a fighter jet-like pointed nose for radar surveillance testing.
  • The aircraft serves as a test platform for Raytheon, helping develop and refine surveillance technologies for the US military.
  • With over 22 years of service, VOODOO 1 continues to play a critical role in the development of the United States’ defense systems.

Since the First World War, many popular civilian aircraft designs have been remodeled and repurposed to assist military efforts. This trend of repurposing civilian airplanes as military planes continues today as two Boeing 747-8s are being repurposed to become Air Force One jets. However, the changes made to these jets are primarily found inside the aircraft, like many other repurposed military aircraft.

Occasionally, a specific plane will get a few exterior modifications as well, making it easily distinguishable from its civilian counterparts. A prime example of this is Raytheon’s Boeing 727, registered N289MT and nicknamed VOODOO 1, which sports a pointed nose resembling a fighter jet. Let’s take a look at this unique aircraft and why a middle-aged airliner is still trying to fulfill its childhood dream of being a fighter jet.

Peculiar nose

Whenever someone looks up at VOODOO 1, the first two things they will typically notice are its pointed nose and its third engine. This third engine can be found on any 727; if it is missing, there is a problem. But what you won’t find on any other 727 is the unique-pointed nose.

For many, it can be somewhat perplexing that this airliner has a fighter’s nose as pointed noses are typically equipped on aircraft designed to exceed critical mach. While the 727 is fast, it was never intended to be a supersonic jet. But this nosecone isn’t equipped for aerodynamic purposes; it is fitted for radar surveillance.

Many of the radar surveillance system sensors on fighter jets are stored in the aircraft’s nose. According to The War Zone, VOODOO 1 has been equipped with an F-15s nose to help test surveillance equipment. The aircraft has tested various radar systems, but most recently, it has been testing the AN/APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA).

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This radar system is integrated into the new F-15EX Eagle II and F-15 Strike Eagle. The radar system will also be implemented on existing US Air Force B-52H bombers.

VOODOO 1 serves as a testing platform where Raytheon can test new surveillance systems before implementing them into fighters. This means that while it continues to test updates and upgrades to existing surveillance technologies, it is likely testing other next-generation surveillance technologies. While Raytheon has shared the names of some of the tested systems, many details concerning these technologies remain classified.

Unique history

VOODOO 1 started its life like many other 727s. After being built by Boeing, it was delivered to American Airlines in July 1981. It resided with American Airlines carrying passengers from one airport to another for nearly 20 years. It retired from its passenger transit career in January 2001. From there, it was retrofitted and found work in the lucrative field of military contracting when Raytheon hired it in February 2002. It has now spent over 22 years with Raytheon and continues to fly regularly.

The 42-year-old aircraft was seen participating in military exercises in the Pacific last year. During these exercises, it was seen and tracked flying around many Pacific Islands. It gathered intel with its latest radar systems and relayed that intel to other aircraft, seacraft, and ground personnel. While it may be old, VOODOO 1 still plays a critical role in the development of US defense systems.

In 2022, a statement from the CNMI’s Bureau of Military Affairs, as reported by The War Zone, states that the aircraft was involved in a series of training and maritime exercises involving various cargo missions.

According to the CNMI’s Bureau of Military Affairs statement,

“Raytheon’s Multi-Program Testbed, a modified Boeing 727, is participating in a number of experiments associated with Valiant Shield 22, a U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise in the Indo-Pacific region focused on the integration of joint training in a multi-domain environment.”

“The joint forces training exercises on Tinian will involve maritime operations at Tinian Harbor, logistical hub staging activities at the San Jose Port, refueling supply point operation at the Tinian West Field while cargo airdrop delivery systems will occur on North Tinian Drop Zone.”

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