Yesterday’s Air Force: Hurricane Hunters Published Sept. 10, 2018 Air Force TV What started as a dare more than 70 years ago turned into the way we predict hurricanes today. Find out how the Air Force got started in a critical mission that saves lives by flying through hurricanes. Related Links: Air Force Tech Report: Hurricane Hunters - YouTube The Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron use high tech equipment called a 'dropsonde' to aid forecasting hurricanes and other tropical storms. NOAA Hurricane Hunters - Official Site Specially equipped National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration aircraft play an integral role in hurricane forecasting. Data collected during hurricanes by these high-flying meteorological stations help forecasters make accurate predictions during a hurricane and help hurricane researchers achieve a better understanding of storm processes, improving their forecast models.