As a storm-chasing UAV designed specifically for local weather research, it was always destined for greatness. Initially deployed to gather crucial data on severe weather events, the device quickly gained fame by capturing stunning footage of tornadoes and other extreme atmospheric phenomena. Despite its newfound celebrity status, however, the UAV remained committed to its core mission: providing vital insights into local weather patterns that could aid in disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. With its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and dedication to scientific inquiry, the UAV has solidified its position as a leader in both atmospheric research and storm chasing circles.
When Professor Brian Argrow watched the 2024 Tremendous Bowl, it was more than just a thrilling game – it marked the moment when he discovered that a model of the drone he and his academic colleagues had developed to study supercell storms would make its Hollywood debut in an upcoming blockbuster film.
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In the acclaimed film, a custom-designed drone navigated treacherous storm conditions to deliver a thrilling visual experience. This innovative aircraft was created by Chris Klick, founder of Ritewing Aeroworks, a company renowned for its expertise in designing and building cutting-edge aerial vehicles. It is the same aircraft design employed by Klick to build a similar structure, which has also been utilized by Argrow and other local climate experts for conducting real-world atmospheric studies.
Professor Argrow, an expert in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, recalled being approached in the spring of 2023 by filmmakers working on a sequel to a classic movie. They expressed interest in incorporating drones into their production.
I didn’t give it a great deal of thought, to be honest. He initially thought it was a relatively small matter. The argow representative promptly facilitated a connection between the film firm’s representatives and Klick, without inquiring further about the meeting.
Despite having gone months without any updates, I remained oblivious to the status of the film. As I settled in to watch the Super Bowl, I was about to get up and leave during halftime when suddenly, the Budweiser Clydesdales appeared on screen – a moment that stuck with me, according to Argrow. “I thought to myself, ‘This is indeed a major motion picture – a Super Bowl-sized production that needs to be a massive hit.'”
As the ravens descended onto his television screen, Argrow quickly alerted his colleagues working on storm research via text message, sharing the astonishing news that their deployed drone was set to make a significant cameo appearance in a major Hollywood film.
According to Adam Houston, a colleague of Argow’s, he expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of featuring the RAAVEN in a film about storm chasers and their pursuit of tornadoes. He noted that the RAAVEN fashions he employed were remarkably resilient, having been specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions inflicted by the unforgiving climate.
Despite lacking a high aspect ratio, this aircraft still manages to fly quickly and boasts impressive endurance. According to Professor Houston of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, “We’re now poised to gain an additional two hours of flight time with this aircraft.”
“And it’s powerful. If it crashes despite being prone to crashing, then it’s surprisingly robust. “We had successfully restored our aircraft to a previous state, removed it from disrepair, ensured its effectiveness, and performed only minor adjustments to render it fully operational once more.”
Houston, having previously consulted with film industry representatives, expressed concern that the movie’s depiction of RAAVEN might not accurately capture its real-world application.
He distinguished between expert atmospheric researchers, such as Argrow, and storm chasers – non-academic enthusiasts who hunt tornadoes to produce click-driven content online. Following the film’s conclusion, Houston reflected on his initial reservations, acknowledging that some of those concerns were indeed validated.
“To a significant degree, their utilization of RAAVEN in the film primarily involved capturing video and images without seeking to gain any substantial understanding,” It’s vastly distinct from our current endeavors. As we venture forth to confront the tempest, our goal is to collect valuable insights and information. While collecting movies and images has its benefits, this shouldn’t be the main objective.
Notwithstanding his reservations about certain aspects of the film, Houston expressed pride in its comprehensive depiction of the RAAVEN’s capabilities. I’ve always been impressed by the precision. I believe they effectively distinguished between scientific researchers and professionals, rendering a precise distinction.
The movie’s portrayal of drones is vastly disconnected from their actual applications in the real world?
While Klick built several functioning RAAVEN designs for the film company, he harbored doubts regarding their deployment in the movie itself. The actor explained that the item was not utilized in the movie as he had initially thought it would be employed within its narrative.
The researcher failed to highlight the pivotal role the RAAVEN plays in scientific research, its primary intended application. “The plane has been in use for years.” Researchers have deployed these instruments at extreme locations such as the North Pole, South Pole, and even during tornado chases, while also utilizing them for atmospheric analysis in the Bahamas and studying commercial wind patterns, he noted.
The RAAVEN is engineered for lightweight portability, effortlessly transporting itself into challenging, hard-to-reach areas, yet possessing the robust capabilities to withstand the fury of natural elements. With precision engineering, the rocket is transported to its launchpad website, then dispatched into the air via a launcher situated atop a vehicle, as accurately depicted in the movie.
“After capturing the tornado footage, they should expedite their processing and editing immediately,” Klick suggested. He noted that the aircraft could potentially touch down almost anywhere, including rugged dirt roads or agricultural fields.
“They’ll successfully touch down in extremely challenging environments without sustaining any injuries,” he said. Minor injuries that the RAAVEN incurs during flight or landing can easily be repaired through mounting techniques. “Avoid entrusting highly advanced technicians with routine maintenance tasks, as the simplicity and robustness of aircraft design make it unnecessary for such expertise.”
The RAAVEN’s lightweight yet resilient fuselage is crafted from high-strength expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, a material commonly used in the manufacture of molded bumpers for modern automobiles. The EPP material offers exceptional vitality absorption capabilities, impressive resistance to excessive impressions, and superior thermal insulation properties, boasting a remarkably high strength-to-weight ratio. The onboard batteries and power systems of the aircraft are integrated into the drone’s design, allowing for increased internal space that can accommodate various devices.
In the designated zone, the RAAVEN collaborates with an embedded observer, embarking on live performances from a chase car equipped with instruments that record temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and ground-level atmospheric conditions, while simultaneously capturing airborne data via the drone’s onboard sensors.
“So, let me get this straight,” said Houston, “you’re talking about a cell tower in its essence.”
RAAVEN wins NSF award
While the RAAVEN’s application in long-term real-world analysis is impressive. The research consortium has recently received a prestigious award from the National Science Foundation, paving the way for the aircraft’s integration into future research projects. “The RAAVEN project has received formal funding from the National Science Foundation’s Community Research Equipment program, with partial support.”
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will team up with scientists linked to the National Science Foundation to deploy the RAAVEN aircraft, collecting data for their scientific endeavors under that program.
The designer of the plane featured in the film expressed delight at seeing his work showcased on-screen; however, his sole regret was that neither his name nor that of his company were credited in the film’s concluding credits.
“I had built a rapport with the production team, particularly the manufacturers, which allowed me to make key decisions, including granting waivers to accommodate the plane’s placement in the film,” he said. It’s clear that the filmmakers have packed a great deal into the movie. Who’ll give credit where credit’s due, recognizing every minor contributor like lug nuts and tires?
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As Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, Miriam McNabb is at the forefront of the drone industry, driving insight into the rapidly evolving landscape of commercial drone providers while closely monitoring regulatory developments shaping the future of this dynamic sector. Miriam has authored more than 3,000 articles focusing on the business of drone houses and is a renowned global speaker and influential figure within the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago, boasting more than two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing for innovative technologies.
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