Hurricane Hunters Face BIG Challenges Due to Funding Constraints

Questions and Answers on Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Operations

Q1: What is the primary purpose of Hurricane Hunter aircraft operated by NOAA and the Air Force?

Hurricane Hunter aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Air Force fly into tropical cyclones and winter storms to collect critical data. This information is used by the National Weather Service (NWS) to improve forecasts of a storm's track and intensity. These forecasts are vital for informing evacuation efforts and storm preparations, ultimately aiming to protect life and property. NOAA studies have indicated that data from Hurricane Hunters can improve forecast accuracy by at least 10 percent.

Q2: How has the demand for Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance missions changed since 2014, and what fa ...