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S 4802

Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act

119th Congress Introduced by Ted Budd and 5 co-sponsors

NOAA must acquire and operate upgraded hurricane reconnaissance aircraft, maintain real-time data collection, ensure mission continuity during recapitalization, and fund aviation s

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 4802

Overview

Bill: S.4802 (119th Congress) – Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act

  • Purpose: To authorize the acquisition and ongoing operation of aircraft by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for air, atmosphere, and weather reconnaissance and research missions, and to reorganize related authorities under existing authors acts (Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 and Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022).
  • Introduced: June 17, 2026, by Sen. Cantwell, with multiple co-sponsors.

Main purpose and intent

  • Ensure NOAA maintains and upgrades its airborne capabilities for hurricane reconnaissance, weather observations, and related atmospheric research.
  • Provide a structured framework for mission requirements, aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and operational continuity during any recapitalization.
  • Align NOAA aviation activities with multiyear contracting authority and appropriate funding for aircraft and related services through 2031.

Key provisions and changes

  • Acquisition and mission scope (amends Section 11708 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022):
    • Reframes and designates NOAA’s hurricane and weather reconnaissance as the "Hurricane Hunter Mission."
    • Requires NOAA to acquire and maintain aircraft specifically for air reconnaissance and research missions, under NOAA’s authority, with the aim of meeting National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration air reconnaissance needs.
  • Mission requirements (new subsections under the amended section):
    • Real-time data: Collect real-time meteorological, oceanographic, and atmospheric observations and provide near real-time access for research, forecasting, warning, and reconnaissance.
    • Direct hurricane penetration: Maintain capability to safely conduct direct airborne penetration of hurricanes and tropical cyclones.
    • Continuity during recapitalization: Ensure continuity of airborne hurricane reconnaissance capability during any aircraft recapitalization or transition, including backup capabilities to prevent a single point of failure.
  • Airborne observing technologies:
    • Maintain and replace airborne radar and remote sensing capabilities, including Tail Doppler Radar or successor technologies, to support operational hurricane reconnaissance and forecasting missions.
  • Aircraft personnel and capacity:
    • Increases in allowable number of manned aircraft: Not fewer than 6, but not more than 9 manned aircraft.
    • Clarifies related mission requirements and accountability.
  • Multiyear contracting:
    • Authorizes the Under Secretary to enter into multiyear contracts (per 41 U.S.C. § 3903) for purposes of this section.
    • Provides an exception to the usual contract duration limits for aircraft acquisition and maintenance, with safeguards for unfunded contingent liabilities if contracts are canceled.
  • NOAA Corps aviation capability:
    • Requires the Under Secretary to maintain qualified NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps aviators to conduct the authorized airborne reconnaissance and research missions.
  • Funding: Aviation operations and aircraft services
    • For fiscal years 2027–2031, authorizes $45 million per year for NOAA aviation operations and aircraft services (Office of Marine and Aviation Operations).
  • Transfers and clerical adjustments:
    • Transfers and repeals related sections to align with the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
    • Re-designates and renames related sections, updating the statutory table of contents accordingly.

Who/what is affected

  • Primary: NOAA, specifically the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and NOAA Corps aviators.
  • Aircraft fleet: NOAA-operated aerial platforms used for hurricane reconnaissance and weather/atmospheric research.
  • Related statutes and agencies: Reorganization and transfer of certain authorities among Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 and the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, with adjustments to cross-referenced sections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (as of the bill text date).
  • Funding timeline: Authorized multiyear financing through 2031, with annual funding of $45 million for aviation operations and services for 2027–2031.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • Multiyear contracting authority subject to applicable federal procurement laws, with specific safeguards for unsupported contingent liabilities.
    • Requirement to ensure data availability in near real-time and continuity of operations during transition periods.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Improved hurricane reconnaissance capacity and resilience through reinforced, modernized aircraft assets and backup capabilities.
  • Enhanced data collection and real-time dissemination for forecasting and warnings, potentially improving hurricane research and public safety outcomes.
  • Longer-term financial commitments and contract arrangements for aircraft and operations, with oversight provisions to manage liabilities and ensure compliance with procurement rules.
  • Strengthened NOAA aviation corps capability to support mission requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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