New Hurricane Hunter

This new research plane goes into service today at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

Called HIAPER (High-performance Instrumented Airborne Platform for Environmental Research), the $81.5 million aircraft, which is owned by the National Science Foundation, will operate out of NCAR's Research Aviation Facility at the Jefferson County Airport in Louisville.

A modified Gulfstream V jet, HIAPER can carry 5,600 pounds of sensors, while flying at an altitude of 51,000 feet with a range of 7,000 miles. 

The plane will be used to follow pollution plumes across continents and oceans, study hurricanes as they emerge, and fly through high-forming cirrus clouds to determine their physical and chemical properties.

"The best part of HIAPER is the 'H,' which stands for high-performance," said Jennifer Francis from Rutgers University. "A research platform like HIAPER makes this an exciting time to be an atmospheric scientist."

-- LiveScience Staff

Credit: NCAR