Photos of the Week: Super Guppy at the Ready

If this plane looks different from the ones you usually see during your visits to the airport, don’t worry; you’re not seeing things. This NASA Super Guppy’s design is no mistake.

Our reader, Connor Ochs was lucky enough to see this unique aircraft in person. He sent us this photo of fireworks exploding over the Super Guppy, their light reflecting on the plane’s glossy silver, blue and white exterior.

The aircraft’s unusual, hinged nose certainly makes it stand out, but this feature serves a purpose. The nose opens to a spacious interior that can hold more cargo than almost any other plane. It doesn’t fly commercially, but there is still one last Super Guppy in service. These days, it’s typically used to carry rocket parts.

Ochs captured this photo in Oshkosh, Wisconsin during AirVenture, an annual aviation event that just wrapped up on July 30.

Another one of our readers, Luke Ferralli, shared this eye-catching photo from his trip to Milwaukee last week. He captured this shot on an American Airlines flight just as his plane passed over the water.

Thanks for sending these in, Connor and Luke!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.

An American Airlines flight flies through a clear sky on its way to Milwaukee. (Photo submitted by Luke Ferralli)