Lockheed WP-3D Orion

Lockheed · United States · first flew 1975 · reconnaissance aircraft

The Lockheed WP-3D Orion is the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's dedicated airborne weather research platform, modified from the P-3 maritime patrol airframe to carry meteorological instruments for direct penetration of tropical cyclones and other severe weather systems.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	4 × turboprop, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	35.61 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

NOAA weather reconnaissance 'Hurricane Hunter' based on the P-3 Orion
Four Allison T56 turboprops with prominent ventral radar and sensor fairings
High-visibility orange and white NOAA livery on a P-3 airframe

Identified immediately by NOAA's distinctive orange-and-white colour scheme, the ventral-mounted weather radar in a large teardrop fairing under the nose, and multiple sensor pods along the fuselage.

Specifications

The Lockheed WP-3D Orion has a length of 35.61 m (117 ft).
It has a wingspan of 30.38 m (100 ft).
Typical crew: 18–20 (crew + scientists).

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

NOAA operates two WP-3D aircraft — N42RF ('Kermit') and N43RF ('Miss Piggy') — which have flown thousands of hurricane reconnaissance missions since the 1970s. They carry Doppler weather radar, dropsondes, and an extensive suite of atmospheric sensors that have produced critical data for hurricane forecasting.

Variants

The WP-3D is distinct from the earlier WC-130 weather reconnaissance aircraft and the Navy's WP-3A; the two NOAA airframes are essentially identical to one another.

Where you'll see it

Operated continuously by NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center since delivery; no military service.

Related aircraft

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