Lockheed Wp 3d Orion. NOAA, NHC visit 53rd WRS Hurricane Hunters > 557th Weather Wing > Article Display One of the planes used by NOAA's Hurricane Hunters is the Lockheed WP-3d Orion - a four-engine turboprop that is used to punch through the eye of a hurricane. NOAA's two Lockheed WP-3D Orion "Hurricane Hunters" play a key role in collecting data vital to tropical cyclone research and forecasting
The renowned NOAA WP-3D Orions, participate in a wide variety of national and international meteorological, oceanographic and environmental research programs in addition to their widely known use in hurricane research and reconnaissance. 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 403rd Wing, Air Force Reserve Command
The WP-3D has a payload of 62,000 lbs and a gross takeoff weight of 135,000 lbs The Lockheed WP-3D Orion is a highly modified P-3 Orion used by the Aircraft Operations Center division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Among them are two Lockheed WP-3D Orion, four engine turbo-prop aircraft, which are mainly used for severe storms and other weather related research.Starting in 1994, these aircraft have been temporarily converted into highly sophisticated airborne air chemistry and aerosol.
. NOAA's two Lockheed WP-3D Orion "Hurricane Hunters" play a key role in collecting data vital to tropical cyclone research and forecasting Obtained as new aircraft from the Lockheed production line in the mid-70's, these.
. This predecessor was an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft When it comes to hurricane forecasting, NOAA has many tools.