Gulfstream Turbo Commander
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The Gulfstream Turbo Commander (AC-690) is a stable high-winged twin, pressurized turboprop aircraft that is suitable for a variety of missions. The standard configuration allows for mission equipment, two pilots, and one photographer. However, with all seats installed, five scientists/technicians may be accommodated in the cabin. NOAA's AC-690 Turbo Commander is utilized by the NGS Remote Sensing Division and the NOHRSC (National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center).
The NGS conducts aeronautical surveys requiring collection of stereophotographic and remotely sensed data. These surveys facilitate coastal mapping, airport obstruction charting, photobathymetry, photogeodesy, boundary determination, and coastal wetlands mapping. Depending on the scale of imagery required, missions are flown at altitudes of 1000 to 24,000 feet above ground level using kinematic GPS survey techniques. Through post-processing methods, such as photo-interpretation and photogrammetric measurement, the NGS uses the data to develop NOAA charting products.
The AC-690 is utilized by the NOHRSC to conduct airborne snow surveys using a gamma detection system. The system measures natural terrestrial gamma radiation over specific flight lines for the purpose of determining soil moisture and snow water equivalent. This data is used in near real time by hydrologists and water supply managers to make better flood forecasts and water supply predictions. NOAA's AC-690 is most useful in collecting airborne gamma data in the mountains of the western U.S., Canada, and Alaska, where the high power and pressurization features of the aircraft increase efficiency and safety.
