Aircraft
NASA’s WB-57 2024 High Altitude Research Planes
Dating back to the 1944 British B-57 Canberra bomber, two of these very special aircraft are being used to observe the April 2024 solar eclipse
Based on an 80 yrs old British bomber design, the B-57 Canberra, these planes are vital to NASA’s ongoing atmospheric and solar research programme. NASA has three of them and two will play a key part in NASA’s solar observation during the 2024 total solar eclipse observable across a large part of the USA.
The WB-57 can operate at up to 60,000 feet, reaching the stratosphere (66,000 feet at the equator— 33,000 feet at the poles). This is a region critical for studying ozone, climate change, and atmospheric phenomena. Few civilian aircraft can operate at such heights, although NASA also operates the modified U2 Dragonlady which can reach more than 70,000 feet.
With a spacious payload bay, the WB-57 is akin to a flying laboratory. It can carry 3 tons of mission-specific scientific instruments, allowing researchers to gather vital data on everything from air composition to cosmic rays — and observe solar eclipses.
The WB-57’s big mid-wing design and adequate engine power deliver exceptional range and endurance. NASA…
