f100cleveland said:So let me see if I have the facts straight. No snow to fog up the windows, and dry desert like conditions, but cold even in the summer. I was wondering why do you need tracks on the trucks then? Wouldn't big floater type tires ride better and work in that environment? Just a thought.
Here's the Deal.
From August thru Nov/Dec, We landed all logistics flights (wheeled Aircraft) on an "Ice Runway". Ice 12 to 16 feet thick. A temporary runway but it's sea ice, covered with wind driven snow. The Crash/Fire crews need the best all'round traction they could get.. on snow/ice.
In Nov/Dec, the Ice Runway begins to "Rot". The whole operation is then moved to a Snow runway on the Ross Sea Ice shelf (Willie Field). Ski equiped C-130s then are the only aircraft to do all re-supply. The Crash/Fire crew needs all the Snow traction they can get.
WAY Oversized, LGP tires are a standard down there, but can be limited in open terrain. Tracked equipment (Dozers) are best... But to heavy. So.... thats why you see the MAX TraX and so on.
The short of it.
JOE
We had a D-6 Cat that would/could do 35 MPH.... (3 spd Allison Pri trans, with a 5 speed Man behind it. WHOLE NUTHER STORY )
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