WP-3D Orion

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The Lockheed WP-3D Orion is a variant of the P-3 Orion used by the Aircraft Operations Center division of the NOAA. Only two of these craft exist, each incorporating numerous features for the role of collecting weather information. During hurricane season, the WP-3Ds are deployed for duty as hurricane hunters.

The WP-3Ds are equipped with three weather radars, C band radars in the nose and on the lower fuselage, and an X-band radar in the aircraft's tail. They are also equipped with dropsondes, temperature sensors, and other meteorological equipment. The aircraft are not specially strengthened for flying into hurricanes, however their decks were reinforced to withstand the additional equipment load.

The two WP-3Ds are nicknamed Miss Piggy and Kermit, and their logos featuring the characters were created by Jim Henson Productions. NOAA's other hurricane hunting aircraft, the Gulfstream IV-SP, is named Gonzo.

[edit] Specifications (P-3 Orion)

General characteristics

• Crew: 11
• Length: 116 ft 10 in (35.6 m)
• Wingspan: 99 ft 8 in (30.4 m)
• Height: 33 ft 8.5 in (10.3 m)
• Wing area: 1300 ft² (120.8 m²)
• Empty weight: 61,500 lb (27,900 kg)
• Loaded weight: lb (kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 139,760 lb (63,400 kg)
• Powerplant: 4× Allison T56-A-14 turboprop, 4,600 shp (3,700 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 466 mph (745 km/h)
• Range: 5,600 miles ferry (9,000 km)
• Service ceiling: 28,300 ft (8,600 m)
• Rate of climb: 3,140 ft/min (957 m/min)
• Wing loading: 107 lb/ft² (530 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.03 hp/lb (0.06 kW/kg)

[edit] External links

• AOC description of the WP-3D
• Military Officer magazine article on the WP-3D

[edit] Related content

See also

List of aircraft of the AOC