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 factors have contributed to this change?

The number of Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance missions has increased since 2014 for both tropical cyclone and winter seasons. Tropical cyclone missions saw a rise due to increased storm activity in the Atlantic basin and a greater demand for data from forecasters. Winter season missions experienced a substantial increase, particularly in the Pacific basin, beginning in fiscal year 2020. This surge was primarily driven by the expansion of Hurricane Hunter responsibilities to include reconnaissance of atmospheric rivers on the U.S. West Coast, which can cause extreme precipitation and flooding.

Q3: What challenges have NOAA and the Air Force faced in meeting their Hurricane Hunter mission requirements?

Both NOAA and the Air Force have encountered challenges in completing Hurricane Hunter mission requirements, leading to an increasing number of missed requirements since 2014. Key challenges include limited aircraft availability, often due to maintenance issues (as seen when all of NOAA's aircraft were grounded during Hurricane Idalia in 2023), and staffing shortages affecting air crews and maintenance personnel. The expansion of winter season responsibilities has also placed a higher operational tempo on the aircraft, limiting time for off-season repairs and contributing to more frequent maintenance problems. Limited backup aircraft options further exacerbate the issue when a primary aircraft is unavailable.

Q4: Have NOAA and the Air Force systematically tracked the reasons for missed Hurricane Hunter mission requirements?

No, neither NOAA nor the Air Force has systematically tracked the reasons why Hurricane Hunter mission requirements have been missed. NOAA officials stated they didn't previously consider it necessary due to the lower frequency of missed missions, but now recognize the potential benefits. The Air Force historically did not track this data as it wasn't a requirement. While the Air Force began documenting some reasons in fiscal year 2023, comprehensive data to assess trends over time is still limited for both agencies.

Q5: What are NOAA's plans for its Hurricane Hunter aircraft fleet, and what challenges does the agency face in implementing these plans?

NOAA plans to acquire six new Hurricane Hunter aircraft: two Gulfstream G550 high-altitude jets to replace its aging Gulfstream IV, and four C-130J aircraft to replace its two WP-3D Orions and expand reconnaissance capacity. However, NOAA faces several challenges in implementing these plans, primarily funding-related issues. While significant appropriations have been received, substantial additional funding is needed, particularly for the C-130J acquisition. Budgetary constraints and the timing of congressional appropriations add uncertainty. NOAA has also experienced manufacturing delays with the first G550 jet and faces technical challenges in integrating Doppler radar on the new C-130J aircraft.