2006 TexAQS / GoMACCS

NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill AFB, FL maintains and operates NOAA's aircraft assets. 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 research platforms.

Specifications and Operational Parameters
Parameter Specification
Length 116' 10"
Span 99' 8"
Fuselage Diameter 11' 3"
Ceiling 25,000 ft
Research Speed 200 knts IAS
Range 1600+ nm
Fuel Burn 4500 - 6000 lbs / hr
Fuel Load 58,000 lbs (48,000 lbs usable; 10,000 lbs reserve)
Max Science Payload ~ 5000 lbs inside fuselage; plus additional instruments in external wing stores

The operating range is ample to permit sampling of the primary pollution source regions, and to follow the transport and transformation of their emissions across Texas. We estimate the range of the WP-3D operating out of Ellington Field will be 700 nautical miles, assuming a return to Ellington. The above-cited operational range is an estimate and actual range is determined by how much fuel can be loaded within the maximum aircraft gross weight limit of 135,000 lbs. We anticipate the aircraft to be 'max zero fuel weight' limited, i.e., with the fuselage loaded to capacity and additional instrumentation operated in external stores (pods) under the wings.

The WP-3D aircraft are operated by an AOC crew of seven (aircraft commander, pilot, flight engineer, navigator, flight director/meteorologist, and two technicians) and can carry in addition several science personnel. The planned payload relies on the full space and payload weight capacity available.

Instrumentation and Science Background

NOAA's Atmospheric Research Campaign
Combining Climate Change and Air Quality Research