Texas Tech University

Ballooning and Observation Laboratory for Thunderstorms (BOLT)

van on the side of a road

TTU's Ballooning and Observation Laboratory for Thunderstorms (BOLT) is a mobile platform designed for flexible use in field operations coordination, radiosonde launches, and instrument maintenance.

Vehicle: Freightliner Sprinter 2500, high roof
Factory aux battery; variable high idle
Cabin: 2+2 seating, roof-mounted A/C
Sounding system: Vaisala DigiCORA MW41
RS92-SGP sondes, 400 MHz
2 helium tanks and launch tube
Communications: VHF radio, cellular data modem
4.5 m pneumatic mast, roof-mounted