Say the words “Hurricane Hunters,” and you evoke a vivid movie featuring daring pilots flying the best equipment into the maw of all manner of storms to capture data that will develop understanding about their nature—and save lives. The division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) responsible for these missions is the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Nine aircraft make up the fleet, which has a base in Lakeland, Florida, and includes two Lockheed WP-3D Orions and a Gulfstream IV-SP, a special G-IV outfitted for special missions.
NOAA Orders Gulfstream G550 For Hurricane Hunter Fleet
Key Takeaways:
- NOAA's "Hurricane Hunters" (Office of Marine and Aviation Operations) will soon add a new Gulfstream G550 jet to their fleet of nine aircraft.
- The G550 will enhance NOAA's weather forecasting and research programs, particularly for hurricanes and tropical storms, offering improved range, altitude, and payload capacity.
- The new G550 will operate alongside NOAA's existing Gulfstream IV-SP, which will remain in service, allowing both aircraft to conduct missions together.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
