Set to hit the west coast of Florida in the next few hours, Hurricane Milton has been monitored by the main climate agencies in the United States, including the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric istration), which specializes in conducting research on climate and ocean phenomena.
NOAA's role is highlighted mainly by the use of aircraft that fly right inside hurricanes, aiming to collect data for climate research.
For this arduous task, the agency relies on the help of the veteran WP-3D Orion aircraft based on the Lockheed L-188 Electra. For the special mission, the WP-3D has received structural adaptations and is equipped with special sensors and instruments for capturing atmospheric data.
Speaking of Hurricane Milton, a video posted by NOAA showed part of the action inside the cockpit of the WP-3D, just as the aircraft was flying towards the eye of the hurricane, which was at category 5. Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida with category 3 or 4 strength, enough to cause major damage, forcing the evacuation of much of the population in the affected areas. Hurricane Milton gained a lot of strength during its age through the Gulf of Mexico, due to the heat of the waters.
The aircraft in action was N43RF, named 'Miss Piggy', one of two units of the Lockheed Martin WP-3Ds flying for the agency. The video, which many may consider scary, shows the routine of agents who work under conditions of strong turbulence. Watch below:
In addition to the modified Electra, NOAA also has a modified Gulfstream IV-SP that operates at high altitudes, close to hurricanes and other weather phenomena, also for data collection.
If the use of the WP-3D is impressive, NOAA recently announced the order for two C-130J Hercules aircraft, which are expected to replace the veteran fleet of modified Electras. The C-130J Hercules is expected to enter service before 2030.
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