Clearly gas prices are still too low...

Sottren

@trogam:
If it was home brewed under the influence of PBR this would be the EZ Pass to the Darwin Awards.
As it appears that there was some qualified engineering involved, I think that they'll be fine. They'll probably even improve their reproductive success rate, given the demonstrated chick magnet effect of the TIV.

rexplex

Normally this would be a Darwin award moment, but there are three things that make this non-Darwinian:
1. If watching Mythbusters has showed us anything, its that people will do any for science (and ratings)
2. They are willingly doing this knowing full well they could die.
3. To get hit directly by a tornado? Thats freakin' awesome!

trogam

Thinking about being in that thing. I'd be scared shitless, crying for my mommy as the tornado closes in, and knowing that full well, i'd still jump at the chance without hesitation. Freakin' awesome.

makkie

I'd have to make the driver seat with just a toilet seat and a open hole because I'd be shitting myself driving that into a tornado.

Saw another one on TLC or Discovery, guy used what looks like a stock car racer. Anyone see that one too?

RG_Shrike

That looks to be about as much use as a chocolate teapot lol

fastmike

Not a vehicle I would want to see cruise down my street.
@trogam: I know a lot of people dont care for Mythbusters, but my young daughter is a MAJOR fan and has learned a LOT from them. Her grades in Science are all A's so I am a fan too. (Plus they do some really cool stuff on that show.)

Curves

Helen Hunt: "Cow!"
Helen Hunt: "Another cow!"
Bill Paxton: "No, that's the same cow."

TerryinSt.Paul

Ramming speed!

Rick36

Where can I get the toy version of this for my 2 year old grandson? I know he'd want it, and I'd have an excuse to play with it - with the kid, of course.

Barcard

Do I hear Twister 2? Because I think I heard Twister 2.

But this is great! I don't think they'll be driving into tornadoes with that... but the armor will protect them from flying debree (unless it's like, a car).

Also, remember guys: their research might end up in something that could avoid incidents like Katrina. They have to study storms to understand and predict them.

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

@Curves: Don't get me wrong, I love the Mythbusters. I was referring to the quote they use sometimes which is something like, "In the name of science..." as they go and something like paint gold latex paint all over their body. Or...causing a fire that burns off an eyebrow.
Re-reading my comment, I'm going to recind what I said about anything for ratings as it applies to Mythbusters. Or I could just...Reject your reality and substitute my own. :D

trogam

My Ghod.
I'd love to have a hand in building one of these.

Ten years in the biz folks, power systems a specialty...

strider_mt2k

Even in an Armored Tornado Interceptor, a grumpy stingray can still pierce your heart with its barb.

frigg

Hmm puking blue smoke... Not that I want to start a car brand war. Despite that I want one. Also I doubt they have ever actually been in the middle of a tornado with it. It's more likely just having the car is the publicity stunt they were going for.

MacBandit

awesome but this is the third year this guy has had this vehicle. Catch up guys....

simplegreen

@Ghinn: Nah, not really

Ghinn

@frigg: Too soon

Ghinn

Save up and buy one of these:

[en.wikipedia.org]

SigmundTheSeaMonster

I storm chase from Eastern WY into Western NE. We've had all kinds of tornado activity this year. It's been a lot of fun!

I live in a World where I control just about everything. It's nice to get out in the middle of something that I have absolutely no control over. These storms are massively powerful and it's awesome to be a part of it. Besides, we provide a great community service by being in direct contact with the weather forecasters who need a set of eyes by the storm.

Scott

@MacBandit: Did you hear the engine running? It's a diesel, they do that sort of thing.

Scott

Thats not a F-450 frame. Its clearly the Wagon Queen Family Truckster.
If you're thinking of taking the whole tribe into a tornado, this is your automobile.

homerjay

@MacBandit: Uhh, actually they have the video footage to prove it. They've had a show on the Discovery channel for two years now. It was a F2 they had run over them, but still, it was a tornado. I've seen the aftermath of an F5, I don't care if you're in a freaking Sherman tank, it's going to kill you. It took train engines off the tracks. Waay off the tracks.

Barry99705

I ran into the TIV and the discovery crew filming for the next season when I went storm chasing a week or so ago.
Pics here [www.flickr.com]

TIV
[www.flickr.com]

1roll20s

@MacBandit:

Have a look at this VID

+ Watch video

Snapper

@Snapper: LOL, "TAKING ON WATER". That thing is a home-brew poorly constructed vehicle. They'd be just as safe driving around in a Honda Civic with bullet proof protective windows.

Joseph

@Joseph: You sound due for a lesson on running your mouth off.

Case in point: The Honda would go flying because of its ground clearance. The TIV lowers flush to the ground so the wind can't generate any lift.

MikeGrenade

For their sake, I hope it's got A/C

finnigan16

Honestly, who wouldn't want to do this? Kind of bums me out that I live in an area with relatively tame weather. Imagine how uber-badass this would be were it based on a heavier truck platform? I'm thinking the International CXT, provided it didn't sit up too high for the heavy winds, although it looks like they've solved that issue by angling the armor on the sides.

Royden

@Sottren: Is this some sort of variant of 'too much time on their hands?'

Royden

gas mileage?

Chewbenator

Damn, I would think you would want something a little more quick and agile if you're going to be heading into a big storm. Cause I don't care how much plating you put on that thing the big winds will rip out 100 year old trees and move houses. It will most assuredly pick up your "tiny" armor plated car. But good protection from flying debris I guess. As long as the storm doesn't get too big? An F2 was mentioned above. Anyone know how big a twister this thing would withstand?

ninjamurf

I can think of two less expensive solutions that might be safer.
1.) Chrysler Imperial (c. 1965/66)- [en.wikipedia.org]
2.) Used armored truck.

DeadWriter

@Scott:

No motor should puke blue smoke (oil). Diesels puke black unburnt diesel fuel.

MacBandit