ER-2 Mission Science Report

2 a/c mission to observe the redeveloping Gabrielle, following up the previous day's mission. It was intended to include the DC8, but that a/c had to scrub the mission on the ramp due to a mechanical problem.

Document the structure of the re-intensifying storm by starting with figure-4 patterns in coordination with the NOAA P3, but not as long legs as the 9/15 flight. Reserve time for a QPE mission with the NOAA P3 directing the ER2 over the strongest convective features, expected to be north and east of the low level center.

(NOTE: Gerry Heymsfield was the mission scientist and he may revise or add to this material. EZ) Based upon the NOAA scientist reports and the ER-2 pilot debrief, this mission documented the unforecast reintensification of Gabrielle into a storm with hurricane force winds north of the center in intense convective bands. The center was much tighter than on 15 Sept. when the low level light wind area covered a diameter of about 60 nm. The ER-2 dropped 2 sondes in the storm center, one in the dry slot southeast of the center (a similar structure as the day before) and one in the strong convection to the north. Most ER-2 instruments worked well, with the exception of EDOP which due to confusion about the check list was not operated in the storm. The combined data in landfall on 14 Sept, from the P3 and DC8 on 15 Sept, and from this mission, will provide an excellent opportunity for analysis and testing hypotheses about storm intensification.