The March issue of Discover Magazine had an interesting story on the conversion of an old A-10 into a storm chasing plane! The National Science Foundation has provided $10.9 million to convert the plane, which upon completion, should be able to withstand lightning, turbulence, and hail. The A-10 can fly upwards of 8 miles into the atmosphere, which allows for the new equipment to observe the tops of the clouds. The plane will trade its Gatling gun and missiles for wind speed, temperature and pressure sensors. Other instruments include an optical imager to cast shadows, to determine movement of rain, hail, and snow. To protect the A-10 from ice building up, it will be outfitted with heaters and an inflatable bladder to help shed that ice. The plane will be able to stay aloft for about 3 hours, allowing researchers to observe an entire storms life cycle. With the use of the plane researchers will also be able to validate information taken from remote instruments (i.e. Satellites). The newly outfitted A-10 is scheduled to make its maiden flight late next year.
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