The Dominator 3, one of the most advanced storm-chasing vehicles today, is likened to a fortress on wheels, capable of withstanding winds over 516 km/h and protecting its occupants in extreme conditions.
In the Storm Corridor of the United States, which encompasses Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, a group of scientists and daring adventurers are revolutionizing our understanding of severe weather. Equipped with vehicles that resemble tanks more than trucks, these modern storm chasers are pushing the boundaries of meteorological research, according to Interesting Engineering.
The Dominator 3 storm-chasing vehicle is a mobile science laboratory. (Photo: Wired).
The story of storm chasing began in 1956 with David Hoadley, who is regarded as the father of this field. Armed with nothing but a Chevrolet Bel Air, radio forecasts, and keen observational skills, Hoadley laid the groundwork for many future generations. His meticulous handwritten notes and cautious approach formed the basis for a growing community, nurturing the creation of the Storm Track magazine, which ran from 1977 to 2002, and inspiring countless storm chasers.
As technology advanced, the tools for storm chasing became more sophisticated. The 1970s saw a series of enhanced trucks and vans from the National Severe Storms Laboratory equipped with various meteorological instruments, allowing for unprecedented data collection on the move. By the 1990s, the complexity of weather instruments had increased exponentially, paving the way for the integration of technology and vehicle engineering, shaping the storm chasing field.
A key milestone occurred when researchers at the Severe Storms Research Center introduced “Doppler on Wheels,” a mobile radar system mounted on a truck. This initiative enabled rapid monitoring of severe weather events, providing real-time data on rainfall, wind speeds, and storm structure. Storm chasing became focused on observing and collecting essential scientific data that can save lives.
In 2003, filmmaker Sean Casey launched the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV), an upgraded Ford F-450 designed to withstand the extreme conditions of tornadoes while filming. With a steel shell up to 2.5 cm thick, bulletproof glass, and a hydraulic system for improved stability, TIV represented a new era in storm-chasing vehicles. Its successor, TIV 2, built on a Dodge Ram 3500 chassis, took it a step further, weighing 7,500 kg while achieving speeds over 160 km/h.
Not to be outdone, meteorologist Reed Timmer developed the Dominator series. The latest version, Dominator 3, is a technological marvel built on the Ford F340 Super Duty chassis. Weighing over 4,500 kg, this “fortress on wheels” can withstand winds up to 516.6 km/h and features a range of design innovations to ensure the safety of its occupants in the harshest conditions. Dominator 3 has a steel and polycarbonate shell that is 7.6 – 10 cm thick, nearly 4 cm thick bulletproof glass, and a hydraulic system that can lower the vehicle. Long 20 cm spikes can anchor the vehicle in place, while 360 kg butterfly doors provide protection above.
What sets the Dominator 3 apart is its dual function: it serves as both a storm-chasing vehicle and a mobile science laboratory. Equipped with anemometers, barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, rain gauges, dew point sensors, the vehicle can collect diverse data on all aspects of a storm. This information is analyzed on-site in real-time and transmitted to research facilities, contributing to improved weather modeling and severe weather warnings.
The ground measurements provided by vehicles like the Dominator 3 have become indispensable for meteorological research, complementing data collected by weather stations and satellites. Through close encounters with tornadoes and severe storms, such vehicles offer insights that cannot be obtained through remote observation.
The most important equipment on the Dominator 3 is its rocket launcher. This advanced system is designed to deploy the “Dominator Skyfall” sensors directly into a tornado’s vortex. This was once thought impossible due to the descending air wall surrounding the vortex. The rocket is launched via a manually operated firing system, using a stabilizing rod to establish its flight path. Its pointed tip releases a sensor package equipped with a parachute as it breaches the protective barrier of the vortex. The sensor collects data on pressure, humidity, and acceleration while spinning inside the vortex, providing unprecedented insights into the inner workings of these extreme storms.
As storm-chasing vehicles continue to evolve, they promise to yield invaluable scientific insights. The data collected by storm-chasing vehicles is enhancing human predictions and responses to severe weather events, contributing to the saving of countless lives.
