17 Aug 2010 Tri-Agency Mission Scientist Report

NOAA is watching PGI27 for signs of development. If it slows, turn northwestward and possibly affect the Gulf, NOAA would seriously consider flying. Then NOAA will be looking east for PGI30 or PGI31. If TC development occurs this weekend there is a possible tasking the G-IV. NOAA will keep watching. Deployment to Barbados is scheduled to occur between August 25 and 27.
 
The DC-8 took off at 15 UTC, 5 hour shakedown mission. A hard down day is planned for tomorrow (Wednesday). A maintenance day is planned for Thursday. A suitcase flight to St. Croix is being considered for early next week and will be further debated in the next few days. Work on the Global Hawk dropsonde system continues.
 
The G-V departed at 1015 UTC 17 August and flew PGI27L for slightly more than 5 h. PGI27L is still the target for tomorrow 18 August with a 7.5-h flight planned. The takeoff time is 10 UTC. The ferry will be about 1.5 h to the northwest corner of the pattern. The center of the pattern will be at 16 N, 76.9 W, due south of Jamaica.

--Chris Davis [PREDICT]