A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation aimed at increasing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Hurricane Hunter fleet. The bill, led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), seeks to add new aircraft and formalize NOAA's role in meteorological research.
Currently, NOAA's Hurricane Hunter fleet consists of two WP-3D Orion aircraft and one Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft, which collect data directly from hurricanes to improve forecasting. The existing aircraft, known as "Kermit," "Miss Piggy," and "Gonzo," are facing age-related issues, with their service set to expire in 2030.
The proposed legislation would allocate $2.5 billion for new aircraft and an additional $5 million annually for hiring qualified pilots. If passed, the bill would also formalize NOAA's forecasting responsibilities, protecting them from being transferred to other agencies, such as the Air Force, which conducts similar missions but lacks NOAA's specialized equipment.
The legislation would allow NOAA to triple its fleet from three to nine aircraft, while also mandating that the new planes be manned, excluding the possibility of using drones. Additionally, the funding would enable the acquisition of advanced equipment, including tail-mounted Doppler radars, to enhance storm analysis.
The Trump administration's recent budget request proposed cuts to NOAA's research department, which could hinder efforts to improve hurricane forecasts. This request is expected to face opposition from Congress, particularly with the Atlantic hurricane season approaching.