NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

A ground crewman unplugs electrical connections during pre-flight checks of NASA's Ikhana research aircraft. Ikhana's payload pod is mounted on the left wing. NASA Photo / Tony Landis Ikhana is a Choctaw Native American word for “intelligent, conscious, or aware.” NASA uses this airborne platform to demonstrate and validate electronic sensor technologies, conduct long-duration Earth observation; and develop technologies that improve the capability, reliability, and safety of manned and unmanned aircraft.

This aircraft is a low-wing monoplane with a narrow fuselage and high-aspect-ratio wing, large V-shaped tail with ventral fin, rear-mounted turboprop engine, and retractable tricycle landing gear. The enlarged fuselage nose accommodates various payloads. The aircraft also has redundant navigation and flight controls.

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