Aircraft and Operations
• International Capabilities
Currently, High Altitude Mapping Missions operates a matched pair of high-performance, high-altitude Canberra medium-sized jet aircraft which are available for integration, data collection, and demonstration flights on a worldwide basis. HAMM's capabilities for international operations are proven, with special expertise gained during the period of heightened restrictions on aircraft operations immediately following the September 11, 2001 events:
While performing a routine demonstration mission to Japan via Alaska and Russia, the HAMM team successfully conducted international negotiations with both military and foreign officials which culminated in landings at Petropavlosk in Russia, Shemya (a military base in the Aleutian chain), and Narita, which is one of Japan's busiest airports, and which made headline news in Japan.
• High Performance
Having an endurance of nine hours, a range of over 4,000 miles, and exceptional climb performance (50,000 ft. in 11 minutes documented February 2003), HAMM's Canberra aircraft are proven high-performance, high-altitude designs with established records in multiple roles. These aircraft are ideally suited to participate in very high altitude research programs in the lower stratosphere which benefit from extended range and abundant space for complex instrumentation or high-volume payloads. Additionally, the airframes are designed for structural loads of 4 g's which allows fully-instrumented penetrations of hurricane eye walls, thunderstorm anvils, and frontal rain bands at both high-altitude and low-altitude, as well as performing demanding experiments like gravity-wave research at wide-ranging altitudes with the same test equipment. Furthermore, the Canberra aircraft shares common internal dimensions with Nasa's WB-57F weather research aircraft, which simplifies cross-integration of standardized science payloads. This means that current and future research programs may benefit from the additional mission profiles afforded by the Canberra airborne science platform and that HAMM's Airborne Research Division may compliment ongoing airborne campaigns with NASA, NOAA, NCAR, etc.
• High Altitude
As currently outfitted, both aircraft are capable of extended missions above 50,000 ft. MSL. These aircraft are routinely maintained and are being upgraded with modifications that enhance both range and altitude. During special testing with rocket propulsion prior to these modifications, Canberra WK163 "Scorpion" proved aerodynamically controllable above 70,000 feet MSL.
• Long Range
Extended range of 4,000 plus nautical miles with optional fuel tanks. Once at altitude, nominal range above 45,000 ft. is approximately 3,000 line miles, with a large portion of this above 50,000 ft, depending on payload requirements and configuration.
• Large Pressurized Cabin
Requiring only (1) pilot, the Canberra offers (2) additional seats, each with individual instrument panels, plus a forward observer's bubble. The Canberra is capable of missions which incorporate large volume science hardware with accommodations for specialized technicians and observers supporting dedicated payload operations.
• Reliability
Twin Avon 109 turbojet engines provide redundant power for safe, long-range, night, and over-water flights, with no reduction in range in the event of an engine related emergency.
• Versatile Airborne Science Platform
With extensive internal and external storage bays and hard points, optional aux. fuel tanks, and the ability to operate from a wide range of airfields worldwide, the Canberra dedicated airborne science platform offers unmatched global coverage with a variety of safe and efficient mission profiles.
