Posted on 12/03/2008 5:03:31 PM PST by Red_Devil 232
Billed as "the world's fastest tracked vehicle", the Ripsaw MS1 is essentially an unmanned, militarized hotrod on tracks that’s able to hit 50mph in about 4 seconds. The original Ripsaw UGV (non-militarized) prototype could hit 50mph in about 3.5 seconds, since it was lighter, but it wasn’t as strong/rugged. The original speed goal for Ripsaw was approx. 80mph, but the Howe brothers have discovered that driving UGVs remotely can get scary and precarious at speeds above 50mph.
Snip
The Ripsaw MS1 tactical UGV utilizes a powerful oversized and customized 650-horsepower Duramax 6.6L V8 diesel engine that delivers 900 ft./lbs of torque. Factory horsepower for the engine is 375hp, so the Howe brothers have suped it up a good bit.
"Hands down, it surpasses most things that are out there right now," said MA1 Michael Horn, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, who was one of the attendees. "It's just zippin' up and down hills and over rubble like it's not even there," said David McCartney, ATC. An unnamed attendee added, "This is a totally new, unique concept for us. It's gonna' change how we operate."
And, how’s it going to do that? U.S. Army EOD Specialist, Maj. Mike Pottratz envisions the operational production-version of Ripsaw performing force protection duties, including convoy protection and infantry support.
(Excerpt) Read more at defense-review.com ...
Bruce Wayne....”Does it come in black??”
"Hey baby -- wanna go and get some matching lube jobs?"
I know it is a prototype but the weapon with a stock looked funny.
VERY cool!
Very Cool!
Please, Santa bring me a Ripsaw. A dune buggy on Tracks, I imagine it would be Hairy at 80 per.
barbra ann
Squantos, can you get me a discount on one of these?
I’d like to have one of the original ones for wheeling ......:o)
I can see issues right off.....width of the sweep vehicle is less that the vehicles following etc ..... That little housbreaker seems to just be a bobcat on roids. That’s what 460 Weatherby’s are for ....:o)
Cool how they make it hover an inch or so above the ground like that.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.