Our research aircraft is a highly modified BAe-146 four-engined jet.
With a range of 2000 nautical miles, the FAAM aircraft is capable of operating all over the world with the exception of Antarctica. FAAM have carried out science campaigns in over 30 different countries since 2004, taking the aircraft to Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia.
The aircraft can fly as low as 50 feet over the sea and sustain flight at 100 feet high. The service ceiling is 35,000 feet, which is nearly 11 km high in the atmosphere. Typically, flights will last anywhere between one and six hours, and we will carry up to 18 scientists onboard. The scientists are responsible for guiding the mission and also support the operation of up to 4 tonnes of scientific equipment, though the exact amount of equipment we take onboard depends on the mission requirements.
![](https://www.faam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Frontofplane.jpg)
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