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OTUS Project

@otusproject.bsky.social

730 followers 4 following 33 posts

The Observations of Tornadoes by UAV Systems (OTUS) project is an effort to gather reliable measurements of the environment within and surrounding a tornado. www.theotusproject.com

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OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Aug 16

Our world-first night vision tornado drone intercept of the Fort Ransom, ND EF2 on June 20. Watch the *FULL* video at this link: youtu.be/g_6qMXHlsqw

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Aug 4

Looking inside the powerful Spiritwood, ND wedge tornado near peak size and strength. This was our second flight into it on June 20. Watch the *FULL* video at this link: youtu.be/akQbDX-MMlo

Reposted by OTUS Project

Nelson Tucker @tornadostudy.bsky.social · Jul 21

Saw a multi-vortex tornado this afternoon at Parmelee SD, had an @otusproject.bsky.social deployment on this

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jul 19

Narrowly missed getting a drone inside this tornado south of Johnstown/Ainsworth, NE yesterday evening. We will be on the hunt for the next few days. Photo taken by team member @tornadostudy.bsky.social

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jul 2

Here is video recorded by the drone during the flight: youtu.be/MjEX51Qmz3o

Inside the Higgins, TX tornado (EF1) - May 18, 2025

YouTube video by The OTUS Project

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jul 2

A peek at preliminary tornado data we are still processing. These traces are from one of the drones circling in the anticyclonic Higgins, TX-OK EF1 on May 18. The validation and quality control process takes time, but more data will be shared as we progress.

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 25

Part 1 of our Spiritwood tornado flights, inside the tornadogenesis and growth of this monster. Watch the *FULL* video at this link: youtu.be/b9IicWFL0VQ

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 22

A comparison of our non-night vision perspective:

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 22

World's first night vision drone intercept of a tornado near Fort Ransom, ND Friday night:

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 22

Inside the EF3+ Spiritwood, ND wedge tornado near peak intensity from our research drone!

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 22

Our first flight yesterday was inside the tornadogenesis and growth phase of a soon-to-be wedge tornado near Spiritwood and Jamestown, ND. Data and more video will be shared as we process material.

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 22

🚨HELP NEEDED 🚨
One of the two drones flown through this tornado has not yet been recovered. It holds immensely valuable data. We are exploring all avenues to locate it. Please let us know if you find this drone or can assist. Last known position at 46°56'28.0"N, 98°25'56.3"W

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 21

Night drone view about to pass through a tornado near Fort Ransom, ND this evening collecting thermodynamic and wind data

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 21

2 drones making passes through center of large wedge, multi-vortex tornado Spiritwood ND

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 14

Inside the entire tornadogenesis of the mile-wide Morton, TX, EF2 tornado. Watch the *FULL* video here: youtu.be/OaNBkp1xWfg

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 7

Our view deploying on a tornado at Spearman TX, which became slightly too far to reach while repositioning away from hail.

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 6

Our research drone collected data through tornadogenesis near Morton, TX yesterday, including this subvortex early in its life.

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · Jun 6

We deployed on two tornadoes today, including one of our longest lasting flights to date inside of this massive dusty tornado near Morton, TX.

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 29

Inside of an EF1-rated tornado and severe thunderstorm winds near Willard, CO on May 23. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/nRc38pZ0E5s

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 26

A birds-eye view from our research drone of a tornado as it struck the town of Crowder, MO on May 16th. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/P3KC8TtBros

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 23

An extraordinary perspective of an anticyclonic tornado near Higgins, TX by our research drone on May 18th. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/MjEX51Qmz3o

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 20

Never seen before perspective of a tornado in Arnett, OK by our research drone on May 18th. Watch the full video here on YouTube: youtu.be/NGD2e741Riw

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 19

The eye of the Arnett, OK tornado, captured by one of our UAVs as it collected scientific data on the environment within.

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 17

An incredible look inside a tornado from our research drone of structures being destroyed in Crowder, Missouri

OTUS Project @otusproject.bsky.social · May 16

Watched tornado strike Crowder from inside UAV interceptors, 2 drones inside this tornado at once as buildings were blown apart collecting thermodynamic and wind data.