The Fascinating History Behind LEGO Icons 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

Ever since the first space rocket set in 1964, LEGO enthusiasts have been able to build vehicles capable of leaving Earth's atmosphere (or replicas of them, at least!). LEGO Space theme sets followed in 1978, cementing space travel as a subject for future LEGO sets.

Just one year earlier in 1977, Space Shuttle Enterprise - named after the iconic Star Trek starship - completed several test flights, ahead of the first full Space Shuttle missions in the early 1980s.

With no engine onboard, Enterprise was a glider, unable to take off under its own power. Instead, it was carried into the air on the back of a specially modified Boeing 747-100, which was given the designation N905NA, or NASA 905.

The SCA, or Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, was one of two Boeing 747s bought by NASA and refitted to carry the Space Shuttles. As well as getting Enterprise airborne during test flights, the SCAs were also used to move the shuttles between locations, including after landing from space, and during promotional tours.

Now BOTH the N905 SCA and Space Shuttle Enterprise have been recreated in LEGO form together in a single set, LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (10360).

About Shuttle Carrier Aircraft N905NA

N905NA was a heavily modified 747-100 previously operated by American Airlines and purchased by NASA in 1974. Originally built to carry passengers, its standard-class seating was removed, while the first-class section was kept for NASA crew members and passengers.

The fuselage was strengthened and mounting struts were fitted to the top to allow the Space Shuttle to be carried piggyback style. This affected the centre of gravity of the aeroplane so much that when it flew without the shuttle attached, it had to be loaded with ballast to keep it balanced.

In case they needed reminding, a message printed on the SCA's mounting point reminded NASA engineers: "Attach orbiter here. Note: black side down."

N905NA was retired in 2012 and is now preserved at Space Center Houston, a lasting reminder of the Golden Age of space travel and the incredible technological advances that made reusable space vehicles a reality in the late 20th century.

LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (10360)

Price: $229.99

Release date: Available now

Pieces: 2,417

Size: 63cm x 53cm x 27cm (L x W x H)

LEGO Insiders Points: 1,496

LEGO Icons 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is really a 2-in-1 set, as it includes Space Shuttle Enterprise (we're surprised LEGO doesn't make that more obvious in the name of the set!).

Together, the two aircraft make a truly spectacular LEGO display. Over two feet long (63cm) with a wingspan of 21 inches (53.5cm), the Boeing 747 alone is an impressive piece. But thanks to the authentically recreated mounting points, it can carry Enterprise on its back.

During carriage, the shuttle's engines, landing gear and tail cone are detached and stored in the cargo bay. They can be reattached to Enterprise if you want to display the completed shuttle independently.

With an included display stand and information plaques for both vehicles, all you need is a custom display case for LEGO 10360 with its unique printed background, and you've got a real showstopper on your hands.

How to display LEGO Icons 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

A set of this magnitude and historical significance deserves its place in the spotlight - without gathering dust! That's where our bespoke display case for LEGO 10360 comes into its own.

It's made to measure, with room for the completed LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and Space Shuttle Enterprise in piggy-back position. The sides are high-grade 3mm acrylic, fastened securely together with 16 special fittings and screws.

The included black base has room for 81x65 studs and the star of the show is our optional printed vinyl background, which features a landing runway in the desert, and gives the impression that the SCA is on its final approach.

iDisplayit pre-apply the vinyl backdrop, so you don't have to stick it on yourself - and assembly of the display case is very easy, with full printed instructions to follow. Both LEGO Icons 10360 and this custom display case are available now, so it's the perfect time to join the space race!