New, More Powerful DOMINATOR Vehicle Joins Storm Chasers

New for the 2011 chase season, Reed Timmer and his Storm Chasers team now ride in this second generation DOMINATOR that is bigger, faster and stronger than the original vehicle developed in 2007.

Check out all of the Storm Chasers Vehicles

This improved DOMINATOR started active chasing in May, 2011 and makes its television debut during the second half of the Storm Chasers 2011 season.

Built around a brand-new 2011 GMC Yukon, the DOMINATOR 2 has a larger base for greater stability and storage capacity. The overall length has been increased by 21 inches and a more aerodynamic front shell reduces the threat of upward lift or flipping in tornadic winds.

The prime mission of the DOMINATOR remains the same: safely collect ground-breaking scientific data in close proximity to strong tornadoes where few dare to venture. The DOMINATOR 2 can now withstand winds up to 200 mph making it possible for the vehicle to face off against the largest EF4 and possibly even EF5 tornadoes!

The armored shell of reinforced sheet metal and transparent Lexan has been strengthened with higher-quality steel and an additional Line-X coating that affords improved protection from flying debris. This shell is firmly affixed to the frame and chassis of the GMC Yukon. The new model retains a roll cage and racing-car safety seats with full-torso belts for added crew protection.

This new model also includes an improved air cannon array (photo, right) for launching probes directly into the funnel of a tornado.  The probes deploy parachutes so they can be carried by cyclonic winds while recording data and capturing HD video. This array is now integrated within the outer body so parachute probes can be reloaded from inside the vehicle.

Watch the DOMINATOR’s first Air Cannon Test

Reed and his team also benefit by a much improved air conditioning system that’s vital for crew comfort when the vehicle is tightly sealed during tornado intercepts.

DOMINATOR 2 on an Atlantic Coast beach during Hurricane Irene’s landfall on August 28, 2011.