India to procure NASA aircraft for cyclone prediction

India is planning to procure a NASA aircraft equipped with a lab to study wind patterns at high altitude for better prediction of such calamities. India is hit by five cyclones on its eastern coast last year.

India will procure McDonnell Douglas DC-8 aircraft from NASA  and will get by 2015-2016.

This assumes significance as several cyclones, including the powerful Phailin that left a trail of destruction, had hit the country's eastern coast last year.

Indian Meteorological Department chief Laxman Singh Rathore had last month said five cyclones including Phailin and Helen had originated in the Bay of Bengal.

Data gathered by the aircraft and by remote sensing have been used for studies in archaeology, ecology, geography, hydrology, meteorology, oceanography, volcanology, atmospheric chemistry, cryospheric science, soil science and biology.