It’s hard to argue that a lot of government jobs are pretty sweet gigs. In addition to good benefits and job security, sometimes you get to drive a some nice cars. Sure there is the usual mix of Crown Vic’s and Suburbans, but there are also Mustangs, Chargers, and Camaros in the service of the government.

NASA recently added a 2010 HEMI Charger to its fleet to help land the ER-2 science and research plane. The plane is essentially a civilian version of the U2 spy plane, but with more peaceful missions in mind.

The U2 was built back in the 1950’s with high-altitude spying in mind, and the plane is perfectly balanced from wing to wing. While this allows it to fly high and far for long periods of time, it’s also very difficult to pilot and maneuver, especially during take off and landing. Thus the government has used ground-based pilots driving high performance muscle cars to provide radio assistance to U2 pilots to help get them back on the ground in one piece.

NASA has its own version of the U2, the ER-2, which is piloted only by experienced ex-U2 pilots since it is essentially the same type of plane. NASA recently added a 2010 Charger to help land the plane, as the vehicle must be fast enough to keep up with the plane and help the pilot come to a safe stop. Police departments across the country already use Chargers as patrol cars, and even NASA has found a use for the HEMI engine. Not a bad job to have, getting paid to speed and all. We wouldn’t mind that gig ourselves.