Hurricane Planes

Hurricane planes Daring when it's dangerous, agencies fly a fleet of aircraft into the center of a storm, all in the name of statists - and public safety AIR FORCE RESERVE Hurricane hunters (WC-130) fly into the eye, providing information on the hurricane's strength. There are 10 WC-130s that fly out of Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. U.S. AIR FORCE WEATHER AFRES 50967 BIS" WRS NASA PLANES study why some hurricanes suddenly intensify ALTITUDES OF STUDY NATIONAL CENTER FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH study why some thunder- storms grow into hurricanes Ranges planes fly for data gathering Douglas DC-8 Studies storms in real time Range: 1,000 feet to 42,000 feet HURRICANE'S EYE WB-57 6 Gulfstream G-V Studies storms from high altitude Range: Up to 60,000 feet Studies near the storm's top Range: Up to 43,000 feet and 7,000 feet NOAA PLANES study storm intensity Global Hawk An unmanned aerial vehicle that can stay aloft for more than 30 hours, providing a long look at storms. Range: Up to 65,000 feet and 10,000 miles 6 WP-3 Orion Equipped with remote sensing equipment Will fly: 5,000 feet to 12,000 feet AIR FORCE RESERVE DETAIL AREA 7 Gulfstream G-IV 4 WC-130 hurricane hunters Studies atmosphere around storms Range: Up to 45,000 feet HURRICANE Range: 1,000 feet to 10,000 feet PHOTOS AND SOURCES: NOAA; NASA; U.S. Air Force; Sun Sentinel research Storm heights vary. CINDY JONES-HULFACHOR/SUN SENTINEL KEN KAYE/SUN SENTINEL RESEARCH