As part of NASA's Airborne Science and Applications Program, the NASA ER-2 aircraft are used to acquire data for Earth science research (e.g., agriculture, forestry, hydrology, geology, photogrammetry, oceanography, meteorology). These aircraft serve as platforms for a variety of sensors that collect data in support of NASA-sponsored scientific projects as well as projects involving other federal, state, university, and commercial investigators. Data from prototype and operational sensors flown aboard NASA ER-2 aircraft are used in applications, including the study of ozone depletion, agricultural biospheres, wildlife habitats, and forest wildfires. The NASA ER-2 aircraft are part of a fleet of airborne platforms that provide support to the Earth Science Enterprise initiative.
Specifications and Operational Parameters | |
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Parameter | Specification |
Crew | one pilot |
Length | 62' 1" |
Span | 103' 4" |
Engine | one Pratt and Whitney J75-P-13B |
Performance Altitude | 70,000 ft maximum (65,000 ft nominal) |
Research Speed | 410 knots |
Range | 3000 nautical miles |
Flight Duration | 8 hours (6.5 hours nominal) |
Payload Capacity | 600 lbs in nose; 750 lbs in equipment bay (also referred to as the Q-bay); 1360 lbs in two wing pods (instrumentation areas and wing pods are pressurized) |
Other Accommodations | Nadir viewport |