The Adaptive Performance Optimization project was designed to reduce the aerodynamic drag of large subsonic transport aircraft by varying the camber of the wing through real-time adjustment of flaps or ailerons in response to changing flight conditions. Reducing the drag would improve aircraft efficiency and performance, resulting in signifigant fuel savings for the nation's airlines worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Flights for the NASA experiment were planned to be conducted over several years on the modified wide-bodied jetliner, with all flights flown out of Bakersfield's Meadows Field. The experiment was part of Dryden's Advanced Subsonic Transport Aircraft Research program.