Priority 3: Installing Initial Instrument Suite and Beginning Operations of the NSF/NCAR HIAPER Aircraft

The year 2006 heralded the debut of nation's most advanced research aircraft, the NSF/NCAR GV known as HIAPER. This cutting-edge observational platform will meet the scientific needs of many disciplines. This cutting-edge observational platform will meet the scientific needs of many disciplines and user communities, focusing on chemistry and climate, chemical cycles, studies of the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere, air quality, and mesoscale weather. After initial instrument upload in early FY 2006, five small research projects were supported under the umbrella of the progressive science flight program. Following these missions, the aircraft was configured to support the Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX). These successful programs showcased the new capabilities the GV brings to the scientific community and demonstrated a new and exciting paradigm for conducting airborne research.