They use sophisticated radars to obtain the three-dimensional structure of a cyclone, but GPS drop-sondes remain the primary tool. These cardboard tubes, resembling a can of Pringles, are dropped by parachute and transmit pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind speed via radio to the ocean surface. #HurricaneTracking #GPSDropsondes #WeatherTech

The data is transmitted to the American hurricane research center in Miami, increasing the accuracy of hurricane trajectory and intensity forecasts by 20–30 percent. Flights last ~11 hours, with enough fuel for four passes through the storm's center. The crew spends 10–20 minutes in the eye. #HurricaneResearch #WeatherForecasting #FlightDuration #EyeOfTheHurricane

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flies modified WC-130J Hercules turboprop military transport aircraft. Their airframes are reinforced to withstand the strongest turbulence at the eyewall boundary. Wind creates extreme vertical accelerations: updrafts and downdrafts literally toss the plane. #WC130J #Hercules #Turbulence #Eyewall #MilitaryAircraft

During Melissa, the crew encountered turbulence of 3.8g — an acceleration 3.8 times greater than Earth's gravity. This exceeded the design limit of 3.0g, and the aircraft had to turn back. #HurricaneMelissa #Turbulence #GForces #FlightSafety

For comparison: on Soyuz, g-forces during liftoff do not exceed 3–4g, and during descent on a normal trajectory, they reach 4.5–5.5g. The Shuttle's liftoff was gentler — around 3g, while during re-entry, g-forces were 1.5–1.8g during gliding and up to 2g during landing. For spacecraft, these forces are prolonged, uniform, unidirectional, & predictable. In a hurricane, it's the opposite. #GForces #Spacecraft #HurricaneFlight #FlightComparison #Aerospace

Falling down this rabbit hole, I found a meteorologist's blog describing a flight through Hurricane Hugo, where the aircraft experienced as much as 5g! A 90-kilogram life raft was torn from its moorings and slammed into the ceiling, leaving a dent. #HurricaneHugo #FlightExperience #ExtremeTurbulence #AviationSafety