As part of NASA's Airborne Science and Applications Program, the NASA DC-8 aircraft is used to acquire data for Earth science research (e.g., archaeology, ecology, geography, hydrology, meteorology, oceanography, volcanology, atmospheric chemistry, cryospheric science, soil science and biology). The aircraft platform provides for a wide variety of experiments, collecting data in support of NASA-sponsored scientific projects as well as projects involving other federal, state, academic, and commercial investigators. Scientific investigators use the aircraft for earth, atmospheric and celestial observations, and research includes development of new sensors, and methodology for conducting such observations. Data from operational sensors as well as newly developed instruments are used in applications programs examining subjects such as ozone depletion, tropical rain forest destruction, tropical disease vectors, wildfire investigations and geologic remote sensing. The NASA DC-8 aircraft is 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 |
Length | 157' |
Span | 148' |
Engine | four CFM56-2-C1 High Bypass Turbofan Jet | Performance Altitude | 1,000 - 42,000 ft |
Research Speed | 425 - 490 knots |
Range | 5400 nautical miles |
Flight Duration | 12 hours (6-10 hours average) |
Payload Capacity | 30,000 lbs of equipment; 45 experimenters and flight crew |
Other Accommodations | Zenith, 8° and 62°, and Nadir viewports |