ER-2 - AFRC

Current Status
#806 600-Hour Inspection (ends 03/31/25)
#809 WHyMSIE Campaign (ends 11/15/24)

NASA operates two ER-2 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 and development, 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. Consequently, ER-2 sensors acquiring earth imagery or conducting atmospheric sounding replicate spatial, spectral and atmospheric characteristics of data collected by earth observing sensors aboard orbiting satellites.

Owner/Operator
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center
Type
Conventional Aircraft
Duration
8.0 hours (payload and weather dependent)
Useful Payload
2,900 lbs
Gross Take-off Weight
40,000 lbs
Onboard Operators
1 (including flight crew)
Max Altitude
70,000 ft
Air Speed
410 knots
Range
5,000 Nmi
Power
30 kVA, (115 VAC at 400 Hz) 10kVA (28 VDC)
NASA SMD User Fee per Hour
$3500
Point(s) of Contact
Individual Aircraft Details
N806NA (NASA806) based at NASA AFRC
Year built
1981
Year entered ASP/IOC service
1981
N809NA (NASA809) based at NASA AFRC
Year built
1989
Year entered ASP/IOC service
1989