WB-29 Superfortress

Weather reconnaissance got a big boost when it inherited surplus bombers after WWII. This was the Air Force's largest aircraft, and in 1950, became the first to be designated with a "W" for weather service. The 53rd scored other "firsts" with the Superfortress: in 1946, it was the first to fly into the top of a hurricane, at 22,000 feet (tops of clouds 36,000 feet). A year later, it made the first low-level hurricane penetration at night. The missions were long, typically 10 to 20 hours. In those days, it took 30 minutes to collect, encode, and transmit each weather observation, compared to only 30 seconds with today's automated system. One dramatic loss occurred on Sept 18, 1953, when a propeller tore loose, struck an engine, and fire enveloped the wing. Nine crewmembers bailed out and lived, fighting off sharks during the long night. Seven other crewmembers were lost. Hurricane Hunters today no longer carry parachutes, in part due to an outstanding safety record.

Wingspan 141 ft 3 in. Length 99 ft. Height 27 ft 9 in. Speed 300 mph. Range 5000 miles. Ceiling 45,000 ft. Crew 9. Engines four 2200-hp 18-cylinder Wright Cyclone. Cost $605,360.