Lotus Makes Biofuel-Powered "Concept Ice Vehicle" for Antarctica Expedition
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada 
on 08.25.08
Cross Between Skidoo & Ultralight Plane
Researchers taking part in the Moon-Regan expedition have a new very cool toy. The biofuel-powered Concept Ice Vehicle (CIV), made by Lotus, will be used to cross the coldest contintent, Antarctica, to raise awareness about "how Antarctica’s fate affects the whole environment." Live feeds and results from scientific experiments will be available on the web and used in classrooms around the world.
Moon-Regan Trans Antarctic Expedition
The CIV won't be making the trip alone, though (duh). There's simply not enough space on board to carry scientific instruments, food, water, etc. It will act as a pilot for the two heavier Science Support Vehicles (pics below). "It is equipped with a special radar that can detect hidden crevasses, has a minimum of moving parts (which are liable to freeze up) and is light enough to be man-hauled across really rough terrain."
Here are a few more photos of the CIV (they tested it in Sweden):
Specifications
- Suspension: all-round independent suspension to cope with the sastrugi
- Engine: adapted bio-fuelled engine
- Size: 4.5m long (15 feet) x 4.5m wide (15 feet)
- Radar: Ice Penetrating Radar (IPR) unit detects hidden crevasses
More photos and technical information on page 2!
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That's really cool. Studying the arctic and antarctic is important, and having vehicles that can survive in these harsh places will make it easier. Kudos to Lotus.
It's a more of a cross between an ice boat and an Ultralight.
Oh and for those wondering - while they are called ice boats and very often use bladed runners, ice boats can and have been outfitted with skis.
I would have thought an enclosed, flat-bottom airboat, would be a better lead vehicle, but that's probably just me.
yeah it looks cool, but how fast can it go. is it really practical if you cant move around efficiently and effectively.
"yeah it looks cool, but how fast can it go. is it really practical if you cant move around efficiently and effectively."
Well, since it was probably custom made for that trip, we can assume it meets their requirements.
Speed probably depends on terrain.
Because of the possibility of crevasses hidden in the snow, you probably don't want to go too fast (that's why they have the radar).
It looks cool and all of that but is it really neccessary? And If you're gonna use this thing can't you just fly? take a helicopter or something... I guess I just don't get the point of it.
You're kidding right?
" to raise awareness about "how Antarctica’s fate affects the whole environment." ??
How about "to raise awareness of the designer's company"
What happens when it encounters a little rough going? How does it back up? 350 kg? that's not light. This is reminiscent of Scott taking a Model T to the Antarctic. They lifted it off the boat and it moved about 1m before bogging down. I don't think this thing will go much further.
MMMM> I can see a rather dangerous problem here, cold! I'm from the northwest Territories, Canada, I've travelled quite a bit in the high Arctic. The Antarctic is much colder so this thing is going to have to be totally closed in heated with an very protected air intake 4 sure, the other thing is that is has to be able to hug the ground during storms, the winds down there are too furious for this thing not to get picked up and hurled around like some tumble weed. Looks nice but not practical at all. Needs drastic canges for - 120 + with a windchill factor......good luck
re: how fast it goes, I read it goes about 84mph. I also heard it has.... you know what here's the link it will provide a much clearer and nicer picture than I could.
http://www.transantarcticexpedition.com/technology/concept-ice-vehicle