Existing comment:
Lockheed Martin WP-3D Orion:
NOAA's two WP-3D Orion "hurricane hunters" support hurricane research and reconnaissance, air chemistry, and a variety of other projects to improve our understanding of the environment. The WP-3D's collect data with a wide range of sensors, including three radar systems and air-launched probes. The aircraft and crew are able to deploy around the globe to support scientific research missions.
Gulfstream IV-SP:
NOAA's high speed, high altitude Gulfstream aircraft plays a vital role in collecting data in the upper atmosphere. During the hurricane season, the aircraft gathers data above and around tropical storms and hurricanes. Forecasters use this information to improve hurricane track and intensify predictions. Equipped with special radars and air-launched probes, the aircraft also supports studies of "atmospheric rivers" over the Pacific Ocean. |