NOAA’s Aero Commander (Shrike)
November 1999 Featured Platform
The
Rockwell Aero Commander
(Shrike) aircraft operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
Aircraft Operations Center is a versatile and stable high-winged twin piston-engine
aircraft that is suitable for a variety of missions. Standard configuration
allows for mission equipment and two pilots. However, with the scientific
packages removed, seating for five additional passengers may be installed.
NOAA's two aero commanders are utilized primarily as aerial survey platforms
for visual verification of aeronautical charts, high-resolution aerial
photography, and snow water equivalent and soil moisture content measurements.
Additionally, the aircraft has been used in biological investigations,
such as algal bloom measurements and sea turtle population assessments,
and post-hurricane and severe flood damage assessment photography. The
capability to fly low at slow airspeeds and remain maneuverable, plus the
two plexiglass bubble windows in the forward passenger area that provide
excellent downward visibility, make this aircraft a unique platform for
marine animal surveys.
The Shrike’s current mission is being conducted
in the Gulf of Mexico for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS),
spotting large schools of fish (red drum). The NMFS scientists are looking
primarily for red drum to conduct baseline biomass studies, but will also
record other marine life observed, including sea turtles, marine mammals
and other fish species. This survey will help identify overall productive
and non-productive areas in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Red drum have
unique coloration and schooling habits that make them stand out when near
surface waters of the Gulf. The water appears red when large schools are
spotted on the surface although color can be misleading because it changes
with the school’s depth, water color and sun angle. This fall's aerial
survey continues the work sponsored by NOAA and the Gulf States Marine
Fisheries Council.
| Length Overall | 36 feet 9 inches |
| Wing Span | 49 feet |
| Operational Airspeed | 90-150 knots |
| Ceiling | 12,500 feet (18,000 feet with supplemental cabin oxygen) |
| Range | 670-860 nautical miles |
| Endurance | 4.5 to 6 hours |
| Crew | 2 pilots and up to 5 scientists, depending on equipment configuration |
Red drum aerial survey operations using the Shrike. Photos: (L-R) bubble window provides excellent downward visibility; fish observed from the air; location of observations are recorded.
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