POLAR TRANSPORTATION--ANALYSIS OF WHEELED VEHICLES FOR MCMURDO, ANTARCTICA.
Abstract
The antarctic surface transportation system has been a source of many problems for the Antarctic Support Activities (ASA). Because little information of value has been reported during the 10 years of Operation Deep Freeze to assist in resolving these problems, on analysis of the transportation system at the McMurdo complex was made in relation to the existing ASA tracked and wheeled vehicles, cargo-handling equipment, and recently evaluated transport vehicles that appear suitable for operation in the McMurdo environment. A report has been issued on the analysis of tracked carriers for McMurdo. The present report considers only wheeled vehicles. The principal factors considered are the roads, the operational data for wheeled vehicles, and the uses of wheeled vehicles in the McMurdo area. It is found that the prime requisite for an efficient wheeled transportation system is an easily maintainable, effective road system capable of supporting wheeled traffic with 30-psig tire pressures. Vehicles with high-flotation tires are satisfactory for use on these roads, and it appears that existing military vehicles with standard tires at McMurdo could be equipped with high-flotation tires. It is recommended that the roads at McMurdo be constructed to limits specified in the report; that some of the existing military vehicles be converted for high-flotation tires to meet present peak transportation requirements in the area; and that future new transport vehicle requirements be based upon the accepted new 20-passenger carrier, 1-ton cargo carrier, and 6 x 6 truck-tractor plus 20-ton semitrailer combination so that maintenance and spare parts requirements can be held to a minimum. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0805670
Entities
People
- Dean C. Taylor
- Naomi Pierce
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center