29 August, 2024- The 2024 Super Bowl held more excitement for Professor Brian Argrow than the big game itself. It marked the first time he realized. A version of the drone he and his colleagues used. It was for studying supercell storms. This version appeared in a Hollywood blockbuster.
Chris Klick designed the aerial vehicle featured in the film Twisters. He is from Ritewing Aeroworks. It’s the same model used by Argrow and other climate scientists for atmospheric research.
In spring 2023, a movie company working on a Twister sequel approached Argrow. They wanted to use a drone in the film. Argrow connected them with Klick but didn’t think much of it at the time.
During the Super Bowl, Argrow saw the Twisters trailer and noticed the RAAVEN drone on his screen. He texted his colleagues to share the news about the drone’s film debut.
Adam Houston, a colleague and professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, felt pleased. Still, he was worried. He observed that the movie employed the RAAVEN in another way. This was in comparison to its real-world application. Photos and videos were the main media on which the movie depicted it. Its true purpose is data collection in severe weather.
Houston expressed admiration for the way the movie portrayed the RAAVEN. The distinction drawn between storm chasers and scientific researchers thrilled him.
Klick had mixed feelings about the film’s use of the RAAVEN. The movie didn’t highlight its role in scientific research, which was its primary design. He appreciated seeing his work on screen. He lamented, yet, that there was no recognition in the credits.
The design of the RAAVEN suits tough environments. It features lightweight expanded polypropylene foam and easy repairability. It is launchable from a moving vehicle. It is also capable of landing in rough terrain without suffering much harm. The RAAVEN has received funding. This support comes from the National Science Foundation’s Community Instruments program. This will help with aircraft-based research in the future.
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