This one probably isn't the hardest quiz I've come up with, but give it a shot anyway. Here's the question: how is the specific airplane in this picture connected to atmospheric science research?
Let's try something new this week: email your answer to me at dunford@scienceblogs.com instead of posting it in the comments. I'll announce the names of everyone to get the right answer on Monday.
- Log in to post comments
Hurricanes?
Isn't this an old Constellation refitted for hurricane tracking?
Hurricane Hunter
It's a WC-130J Hercules. Definitely a Hurricane Hunter.
Brent, What gives you a clue that it's a "J"? I suspect you're right as I see the 53rd now flies the new version. It's been a while since I rode in one (1983) and all the dirty thirties at that time were H's. I wasn't in the the 53rd, I was cross-training at the time. I just happened to run into a friend and he got me on to a flight.
Chiefley, if you flew in a Connie, you're even older than me!
Also, J models are the only herk variant with 6-bladed props (at least in the US...) As does the one in the picture. There are a couple other very tiny clues visible in the picture.
Another quiz question.. how many C-130 prop variants are out there?
I was wondering about the props.
I remember the C-130A had the 3 blade prop. Although I worked on C-130E's and H's (4 prop) at Incirlik and McChord, I was the specialist for C-141's and C-5's because of my first assignment at Charleston.
The D-model also sported 3 bladed props
Does anyone know if it is possible to "hitch a ride" on one of the hurricane hunters as a regular citizen? How about if one wanted to capture some high-res, digital cinema footage using something like this baby. http://www.red.com/cameras