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MSgt Rev. Ken Packard (ken)
to remember
Dickey, Frank O., TSgt.
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Contact Info
Home Town Valrico,Fla.
Date of Passing Aug 06, 2010
Location of Interment Florida National Cemetery (VA) - Bushnell, Florida
Aircraft/Missile Information
The WC-130H Hercules is a modified version of the C-130 transport configured with computerized weather instrumentation for penetration of severe storms to obtain data on storm movements, dimensions and intensity. The WC-130B became operational in 1959, the E model in 1962, followed by the H model in 1964. Only the H model is currently in operation. The WC-130J, currently in testing, is scheduled to replace the WC-130H.
Operational history
The WC-130B model was operational with the former Military Airlift Command's Air Weather Service from 1962 to 1979, the E model from 1965 to 1993, followed by the H model from 1973 to 2005 with the 53rd, 54th, 55th and 56th Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons under the 9th Weather Reconnaissance Wing. Three WC-130A models were operational in South East Asia from 1967 to 1970 with the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. Only the J model, introduced in 1999, is currently in operation as of 2006 with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, now part of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command.
The WC-130 provides vital tropical cyclone forecasting information. It penetrates tropical cyclones and hurricanes at altitudes ranging from 500 to 10,000 feet (151.7 to 3,033.3 meters) above the ocean surface depending upon the intensity of the storm. The aircraft's most important function is to collect high-density, high-accuracy weather data from within the storm's environment. This includes penetration of the center or hurricane eye of the storm. This vital information is instantly relayed by satellite to the National Hurricane Center to aid in the accurate forecasting of hurricane movement and intensity.
General Characteristics Primary Function: Weather reconnaissance Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Corp. Power Plant: Four Allison turboprop engines; T-56-A-15 Length: 99 feet, 4 inches (30.10 meters) Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.67 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms) Wingspan: 132 feet, 6 inches (40.15 meters) Range: 4,000 miles (3,478 nautical miles) Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters) Endurance: Can stay aloft 15 hours at 300-plus mph Speed: 350-plus mph (Mach 0.46; 304 knots per hour) Crew: Six; pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, aerial reconnaissance weather officer and dropsonde system operator Date Deployed: 1964 Unit Cost: Approximately $13 million (1960 dollars)
