Built as a C-131B, the aircraft underwent extensive conversion and modification by the United States Air Force, NASA, Calspan and others from the late 1960s until the 2000s.

TIFS is hailed by Calspan as a "cost effective and efficient test-bed aircraft" with a "spacious cabin and replaceable nose."

The aircraft is owned by the Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL), but is operated and maintained by The Calspan Corporation (originally Cornell Aeronautical Labs).

Engineers also utilize the TIFS for studying how large aircraft handle during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing.

[1]Data from United States Military Aircraft since 1909[3][failed verification] (Note specs might not be 100% accurate they are educated guesses)General characteristics Performance