NOAA Hurricane Hunters Office of Marine and Aviation Operations

Lockheed Wp 3d Orion. Hurricane hunter, Lockheed WP3D Orion, of NOAA WeirdWings The ten Lockheed-Martin WC-130J aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler. 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 403rd Wing, Air Force Reserve Command

This predecessor was an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft The two WP-3D airplanes operated by NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center constitute a unique resource for airborne hurricane research, and for atmospheric research in general

ERAU professor has ticket aboard Hurricane Hunter as Ian approaches Florida's Gulf Coast

They fly into the center of storms, passing through the eyewall several times to collect data to help improve intensity forecasts. Additionally, it can reach speeds between 170 and 250 knots. When it comes to hurricane forecasting, NOAA has many tools.

Meet The Lockheed WP3D Also Called The "Hurricane Hunter". NOAA's two Lockheed WP-3D Orion "Hurricane Hunters" play a key role in collecting data vital to tropical cyclone research and forecasting The aircraft are operated by officers of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps

Lockheed WP3D Orion NOAA Hurricane Hunter by GeneralTate on DeviantArt. Obtained as new aircraft from the Lockheed production line in the mid-70's, these robust and well-maintained aircraft have led NOAA's continuing effort to monitor and study hurricanes and other severe storms, the quality of the atmosphere, the state of the ocean and its fish population, and climate trends. The WP-3D has a payload of 62,000 lbs and a gross takeoff weight of 135,000 lbs