NSF/NCAR C-130 Documentation

FAQs, Investigator Handbook and other materials related to capabilities of the NSF/NCAR C-130

The C-130 is a versatile airborne research platform that is well suited for studies of the middle troposphere.With its 13,000 lbs payload capability and 10 hour endurance, the C-130 is well suited for a variety of research tasks that do not require reaching altitudes in excess of 26,000 feet. With excellent low altitude performance the C-130 is used extensively for studies of the planetary boundary layer, flying as low as 100 feet above the surface of the ocean.

In this section you will find documentation of the C-130 capabilities, inlet apertures, instrumentation and electrical interfaces that may help you plan a research payload or integrate and instrument on the aircraft.