Whelen: NASA Chargers Chase Planes
NASA’s White Charger to the Rescue
Landing an ER-2, NASA’s long-winged, high-altitude Earth science aircraft, can be tricky. Its wings give the aircraft glider-like qualities, the aircraft is sensitive to crosswinds, and its ascent and descent rates are fast and steep. Even normal landings can be difficult for the pilot, encased in a full pressure suit. That’s where NASA’s recently acquired Dodge Charger safety chase car comes in.
