The “Hurricane Hunter” – NOAA Lockheed WP-3D
With a lineage dating back to the the 98-passenger Lockheed L-188 Electra that first flew in 1957, the WP-3D is one of two examples operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collect weather information. These aircraft conduct meteorological, oceanographic and environmental research around the world, and are known for performing observations in and around hurricanes. In addition to utilizing the advanced radar equipment housed in the bulbous fairings, the WP-3D also has the capability of dropping expendable dropsondes – small GPS-equipped sensors that collect and transmit data as they fall through the atmosphere. Photo: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
Topics Related To: AVIATION HISTORY
White House Lawn Landing
What kind of individual would purposely land an airplane on the White House lawn? In modern times, one interested in lengthy imprisonment – if they survive the landing at all.
Larson Speed Bird
Based on a standard Taylorcraft taildragger, the Larson Speed Bird was an experimental testbed built to evaluate a unique, all-metal wing design.
Eclipse Concept Jet
First flown in 2007, the sleek Eclipse Concept Jet was a “Very Light Jet” prototype that flew but never reached production.
