2008 Annual Report - NASA Airborne Science Program

NASA
ER-2
NASA operates two ER-
2 (806 & 809) aircraft as
readily deployable, high
altitude sensor platforms to
collect remote sensing and
in situ data on earth resources, atmospheric
chemistry and dynamics, and oceanic
processes. The aircraft also are used for
electronic sensor research, development
and demonstrations, satellite calibration and
satellite data validation. Operating at 70,000
feet (21.3 km) the ER-2 acquires data above
ninety-five percent of the earth’s atmosphere.
The aircraft also yields an effective horizon of
300 miles (480 km) or greater at altitudes of
70,000 feet.
In October, the ER-2 806 deployed to
Kirtland AFB in New Mexico with a new
sensor from the Department of Homeland
Security, called Chloe-A. The sensor was
integrated into the Q-bay and conducted
a successful series of test flights flown over
White Sand Missile Range, WSMR, in New
Mexico. Flights were flown to advance
prototype technologies that can enable the
defeat of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems
(MANPADS) from a persistent, high altitude
orbit. The ER-2 flew 9 flights totaling 33.1
flight hours. The ER-2 team received a
letter of appreciation from the DHS Under
Secretary for Science and Technology, Jay M.
Cohen.
In April, the ER-2 806 conducted several
flights for the Boeing Corporation, totaling 14
flight hours, carrying a new telemetry sensor
for enhanced data downlinks. The aircraft
flew in the Edwards and Nellis ranges for the
evaluation of the new sensor.
In April, ER-2 809 entered a required 200
hour phase inspection.
In late April, the ER-2 806 uploaded Large
Area Collectors (LAC) on its wing and
conducted a successful series of science
flights from DFRC. Flights were flown to
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