New Hurricane Hunter

The recent hurricanes hammering the Southeast Coast brought damage — and the opportunity to test the improved low-power color weather radar in the new WC-130J Weatherbird. A team from the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, California, joined Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, to battle 155-mph winds and penetrate hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne fifteen times on six flights to collect performance data on the radar. The WC-130J not only will provide 53rd WRS crews a more reliable aircraft, but will also increase mission effectiveness. The WC-130Js are expected to be in service during the 2005 hurricane season.