OT Why such a big plane?

They are doing an aerial survey of air pollution this month over the
area between Baltimore and DC. I don't disapprove, I probably
approve, but I dont' unsderstand why they are using a 4-engine,
properller plane. 117 feet long (or wide)

Can't they ;use a Piper Cub or maybe a littel bigger. It says it
carries a suite of nine scientific instruments that will sample the
air the plane flies through, but how big can those things be these
days. Is there anything left that is even as big as a 12" crt tv.

http://www.daggerpress.com/2011/06/2...arford-county/

Scroll down to the picture.

Another article for those who hunger for mo
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...yFjH_blog.html