SUMMARY
The OTUS Project, a team of meteorology and engineering students, intentionally flew an experimental drone directly into the eye of a tornado near Wyoming, Iowa. This drone, built with a 360 camera and thermal sensors, is designed to collect data on extreme weather phenomena. The footage captured is intended to help improve predictions and protection for lives and property against destructive storms, defying typical drone operational limits due to high wind speeds.
TAKEAWAYS
An experimental drone was flown into a tornado by the OTUS Project.
The drone is equipped with a 360 camera and thermal sensors.
Data collected aims to improve storm prediction and protection.
Tornado wind speeds far exceed safe operating limits for standard drones.