Lockheed L-300 PlaneTags -  Kuiper Airborne Observatory

From Prototype Cargo Jet to NASA’s Flying Infrared Observatory

The Lockheed L-300 was the only one of its kind, a civilian prototype of the C-141A Starlifter that found new life with NASA as the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). Now, you can own a piece of this historic aircraft. Crafted from authentic aircraft skin, each L-300 PlaneTag honors the legacy of airborne astronomy and NASA’s quest to explore the infrared universe.

Read more about L-300 STARLIFTER on our blog L-300 to KAO: How Lockheed's Cargo Jet Became a Flying Telescope.

OUR PLANE'S STORY

Built in the late 1960s as a stretched version of the C-141A, the Lockheed L-300 was Lockheed’s bid for a commercial cargo aircraft. Though it never entered production, the prototype was donated to NASA and became the Kuiper Airborne Observatory in 1974. With a 36-inch telescope mounted inside, it helped discover Uranus’s rings, detect Pluto’s atmosphere, and study Supernova 1987A.

L-300 STARLIFTER-N714NA

Tag Information:

• Material: Authentic fuselage skin from the Lockheed L-300 / Kuiper Airborne Observatory
• Limited Edition: Only 10,000 available
• Finish Variants: Vary by tag, including natural, painted, and mixed surfaces
• Engraving: Laser-etched with aircraft and serial number

Each tag is unique, please note that surface wear, paint variation, and markings differ.

This aircraft was carefully dismantled by MotoArt in 2025 in partnership with NASA, and every tag was made with respect for its scientific legacy.

Add a Lockheed L-300 PlaneTag to Your Collection Now
Quantities are limited. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

You may also like:

• Learjet Airborne Observatory (N705NA) PlaneTags - Another early NASA infrared platform
• NASA MLP-2 Mobile Launch Platform PlaneTags - Launch infrastructure from Apollo and Shuttle programs
• C-121G Super Constellation - N420NA was used to calibrate ground-based tracking stations for the Mercury, Apollo, Gemini, and Agena space programs

Collect them all and celebrate the history of one of the most recognized names in aviation.

Please Note

• Limited quantities available
• Tag color and condition will vary - that’s what makes each one unique
• Not recommended for heavy keychain use without a protective sleeve; ideal for display or light travel

Add a legendary jetliner to your collection today.

DISCLAIMER

LOCKHEED MARTIN®, LOCKHEED®, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/ or other jurisdictions, used under license by MotoArt PlaneTags LLC.

PlaneTags are Handmade Aviation Tags

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

- Please Note: Due to limited quantities, combination colors you may receive will vary.

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.