The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, has this week placed an order for one more Gulfstream G550.
It is understood this new aircraft has been funded via President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
The Order from NOAA for an Additional Gulfstream G550…
The order for the additional Gulfstream G550 by NOAA represents the exercising of an option in it’s existing $106m contract with the planemaker.
Also, it is understood the aircraft will be fully modified to be able to do the following things:
- Support hurricane & tropical storm forecasts.
- Atmospheric research.
- Other NOAA missions.
NOAA currently has two Gulfstream G550s on order, with the first order placed in 2019.
Furthermore, the 2019 order will see delivery by next year to the organization, with this recent order seeing a delivery date of 2028.
Moreover, It is understood the aircraft will replace the aging Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft in their fleet already.
With the G550s having a maximum ceiling altitude of 51,000 feet, this will enable NOAA to paint a detailed picture of atmospheric conditions above and around hurricanes and tropical storms.
Major Step Forward, Says The Organisation…
Furthermore, NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. said the following on the order:
“These new state-of-the-art aircraft will greatly enhance NOAA’s ability to gather data critical to hurricane research and forecasting, atmospheric river research and forecasting, climate studies and other missions”.
“Infrastructure investments like this protect both lives and livelihoods.”
Adding to this was Vice Adm. Nancy Hann, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations:
“The acquisition of these highly capable aircraft is a major step forward in the recapitalization of NOAA’s aircraft fleet, which forecasters, researchers and decision-makers depend on for life-saving information,”
Overall…
In conclusion, it is clear this represents a significant milestone for the organisation with the Gulfstream G550s.
With hurricanes and tropical storms occurring more frequently, these aircraft are very much needed.
Looking ahead, all eyes turn to delivery of the first unit next year, to see what impact it has on the organisation.
Overall, this is a big step for the organisation, and all eyes will be on how this goes.
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