WP-3D Orion - "Sky Hopper"

Flying for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the WP-3D Orion is known as “Hurricane Hunter”. Derived from the US Navy P-3 Orion, the WP-3D is a tough and rugged airplane very well suited to rigorous hurricane conditions.   NOAA operates two such aircraft which carry the name of famous Muppets "Miss Piggy" and "Kermit". Both aircraft underwent extensive nose to tail overhaul and modifications between 2015 and 2018. Both aircraft were refitted with newly refurbished wings, more fuel-efficient engines, and state-of-the-art avionics.    The aircraft operate world-wide and throughout most regions of the United States. They have operated in the Arctic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific Oceans.    This is a repaint of my earlier artwork and features Kermit wearing the new paint scheme after emerging from its 19-month overhaul in 2016.