Lotus Makes Biofuel-Powered "Concept Ice Vehicle" for Antarctica Expedition
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, 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.