OTUS PROJECT
DOCUMENTARY SERIES
Observations of Tornadoes by UAV Systems
The OTUS Project is a self-funded nonprofit founded by students in meteorology and engineering. We leverage cutting-edge UAV technology, advanced software, and custom sensor systems to study tornadoes up close.
Our 2025 - 2026 journey is being captured in a feature-length documentary, independently produced by Paradeigm Films and fiscally sponsored by the International Documentary Association (IDA)—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
We are actively seeking partners to support this mission.
Ways to Support
Tax-Deductible Donations
All contributions are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, the International Documentary Association (IDA), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Sponsorships
Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to align with innovative science and impactful media. Supporters will be recognized across films, websites, social media, and events—highlighting a shared commitment to resilience, innovation, and public safety.
In-Kind Support
In-kind contributions—such as vehicles, lodging, travel, equipment, gear, and technology—are essential to offsetting our budget and making these projects possible.
Our 2026 journey is being captured in a documentary series, independently produced by Paradeigm Films and fiscally sponsored by the International Documentary Association (IDA)—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations made through the IDA are fully tax-deductible, supporting both groundbreaking scientific research and the powerful storytelling that brings it to life.
Support the OTUS Team
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A tornado expert with an encyclopedic memory for storm history, Nelson founded OTUS to push storm science further than anyone thought possible. His deep knowledge, obsession with data quality that could save lives, and commitment to his team make him the brain, heart, and soul behind the mission.
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A world-class FPV drone champion and builder, Louis designs, prototypes, and pilots the OTUS drones with unmatched skill and creative flair, pushing the limits of drone performance inside chaotic storm environments. His technical acumen with drone tactics and performance enables him to dodge debris and navigate the tremendous forces raging inside a tornado, piloting past obstacles that would do in most pilots in each intercept.
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A spacecraft engineer and systems architect, Tanner is the architect of OTUS’s high-performance 3D-printed drones. Blending aerospace precision with bold vision, Tanner brings engineering rigor and fearless leadership to the most dangerous mission in weather science. With MacGyver-like skill, welding antenna control panels, rigging chase vehicles, and cooking up whatever contraption is needed in the moment, Tanner super-charges whatever OTUS undertakes.
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A retired Army veteran, seasoned storm chaser, meteorologist, and president of the National Storm Chaser Summit. Erik brings decades of field experience, leadership, and an unshakable dedication to the safety and future of the storm chasing community. As an essential mentor and safety lead for the chase, Erik safely guides OTUS to the most stunning intercepts possible.
THE SCIENCE
Our current efforts are focused on measuring the 3D wind loads and accompanying thermodynamics within and surrounding tornadoes at the near-surface level. In May 2024, OTUS proved its sUAS (capability of a small Uncrewed Aircraft System) capability by operating and maneuvering through a multi-vortex tornado under the complete control of the pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepted and approved our waiver to conduct operations in and around tornadoes.
In 2025, the project expanded its field campaign significantly—intercepting 8 tornadoes with 11 drone penetrations, capturing high-resolution thermodynamic data and flight telemetry to inform the development of next-generation wind sensors.
12
Drone Intercepts
9
Center/Core Tornado Intercepts
Drone Intercepts
| Date | Location | EF Rating | # Drones Inside |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/23/2024 | Duke, OK | EF2 | 1 |
| 5/16/2025 | Crowder, MO | EF3 | 2 |
| 5/18/2025 | Higgins, TX | EF1 | 2 |
| 5/18/2025 | Arnett, OK | EF3 | 1 |
| 5/23/2025 | Hillrose, CO | EF1 | 1 |
| 6/05/2025 | Morton, TX | EF2 | 1 |
| 6/20/2025 | Spiritwood, ND | EF2 | 2 |
| 6/20/2025 | Fort Ransom, ND | EF2 | 1 |
| 6/22/2025 | Grygla, MN | EF1 | 1 |
FPV RESEARCH DRONES
Each drone used by the OTUS Project is a custom-engineered system equipped with advanced weather sensors designed to capture thermodynamic data around tornadoes. In partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), these drones also feature a first-of-its-kind vertical wind speed sensor, pushing the boundaries of storm data collection.
In 2026, the OTUS Project aims to deploy over 20 cutting-edge drones for research and tornado intercepts during an intensive 8-week storm season.
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Aerospace engineer and systems thinker behind the OTUS drone architecture
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World-class FPV drone pilot and builder specializing in high-performance storm intercept drones
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Engineered for extreme durability in the most violent weather conditions on Earth
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Item descriptionEquipped with onboard sensors to gather never-before-seen scientific insights from inside tornadoes
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Fully authorized for use in regulated U.S. airspace for research and documentation
Intercepting tornadoes and deploying OTUS’s specialized drone systems demands a purpose-built research vehicle.
In 2026, OTUS will launch an 8-week field deployment, and significant vehicle modifications are needed to ensure success. The vehicle must withstand extreme weather, navigate gravel, mud, and dirt roads, and remain fully operational in some of the most ferocious storm environments on Earth.
This isn’t just transportation — it’s a mobile command center. It will be outfitted with custom antennas, satellite connectivity, redundant power systems, and secure integration for our wireless drone networks. These upgrades are essential to safely and effectively launch drones into tornadoes and transmit real-time storm data to our team and collaborators.
Your support directly helps fund these critical upgrades and ensures OTUS can safely pursue its mission of advancing tornado science and saving lives.
