Calspan has used their unique, one-of-a-kind aircraft for airborne systems training for years. That work started in the 1980's with development of the Airborne Systems Test and Training Aircraft (ASTTA) version of the C-131H/Total In-Flight Simulator (TIFS). That work continues today as Calspan currently operates the Saab 340 Airborne Systems Test and Research Support (ASTARS) testbed aircraft for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. The ASTARS modifications were completed in early 2010 and feature an integrated F-16 fire control radar, Infrared/Electro-Optical (IR/EO) turret, student cockpit, and instructor's station.

Effort culminated with a successful flight test after short 150 day modification period
The Saab 340A was selected as the host airframe for modification into an Airborne Systems Trainer
The most significant modification was installing an APG-66 radar and radome on the nose of the aircraft
Other installations included a MX-15 EO/IR turret on the lower fuselage and a fighter-style cockpit and instructor station in the main cabin