What Are Special Mission Aircraft?
By Chris Greenwood | November 1, 2018 | Web TrafficWhat Are Special Mission Aircraft?
There is a very specific type of aircraft that are manufactured for what are called special missions. They have been developed for not only the military, but for the transportation of heads of state. They have also been used to provide early warning systems, and they are also very useful at acquiring international atmospheric data. The missions that they are used on can be top-secret, and these planes are very unique in their design. They are able to deliver superior speed, reach extreme altitudes, and they have operational capabilities that can be very useful when there are extreme weather conditions. Here is an overview of what special mission aircraft are and also why they are used today.
Airborne Security Operations
These planes are used by the government for intelligence gathering missions. They are often equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that can gather surveillance information on reconnaissance missions. They only use the most advanced equipment and are designed for ultra-long range. Some of them are capable of traveling up to 7500 nautical miles nonstop and may actually reach altitudes of over 50,000 feet. It is because of their low drag design, as well as being equipped with enhanced sensor performance systems, that they are some of the most reliable aircraft in the industry. In addition to all of this, they come at a much lower operating cost and will operate at a higher level of efficiency.
Head of State Transport
Although used for reconnaissance missions, these planes are also a top choice when taking heads of state, or other important government officials, from one location to the next. They provide a high level of security, and advanced communication capabilities, ensuring that this important individual is safely taken from their current location to the next. Encrypted communications, command centers, and highly adaptable interiors are other reasons that these planes are often used. They can ensure that the government official arrives in a timely manner because these planes can also cruise at nearly the speed of sound, helping to save a substantial amount of time.
Atmospheric Research Missions
These planes can reach extremely high elevations, but more importantly, they are also one of the most stable types of planes when it comes to gathering atmospheric research. The combination of high-speed performance, as well as their payload capabilities, make them the perfect airplane to use for gathering atmospheric information. Companies such as HALO and HIAPER have use these planes to gather information about the atmosphere for years. This ensures the safety of the scientists that are aboard, plus they will have all of the scientific equipment installed that will help them gather this information.
Advanced Medevac Capabilities
Some of these planes are designed for advanced medevac capabilities. For example, if someone needs to be transported across the country for a transplant in a timely manner, this is the type of plane that will be used. They are equipped to provide 100% fresh air and will be outfitted with all of the latest medical equipment necessary to care for that person while in transit. This will include x-ray viewing equipment, in-flight patient access equipment, as well as advanced life support machines. Hospitals around the world will use these planes for this purpose to ensure that a person is able to arrive safely for a procedure in the shortest period of time.
There are other reasons why special mission aircraft are used including worldwide mission support which includes both civilian-based and governmental activities. As you can see, these planes are designed in many different ways to accommodate the needs of those that use them. Special mission aircraft will continue to improve upon their designs and will also install the latest equipment as advancements are made. It is to be expected that the manufacturers of these special mission aircraft will continue to adapt, providing their advanced aircraft for these special missions and many others in the future.
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