S. 4802 — Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act

This section revises National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration requirements for hurricane reconnaissance and research aircraft. It mandates acquisition and maintenance of not fewer than 6 but not more than 9 manned aircraft, real-time meteorological and oceanographic data collection, direct hurricane penetration capability, continuity of operations during recapitalization, and replacement of Tail Doppler Radar and remote sensing systems. It authorizes multiyear contracts, requires qualified NOAA Corps aviators, and provides $2.5 billion for aircraft acquisition plus $45 million annually for operations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 (from $800 million for fiscal year 2023). It transfers the authority to section 413 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8549).