Cross-country vehicle department

Introduction (problem statement and relevance). Ensuring transport accessibility of the furtherflung regions of Russia is a relevant and important task of the automotive industry. The Northern and North-East regions of Siberia and the Far East make up about 60% of the territory of Russia, or ca. 14 million km2, and are characterized by severe natural and climatic conditions. Nearly 80% of these territories, namely 11.1 million km2, are occupied by years long permafrost, and about 2.1 million km2 are occupied by tundra, with 30–40% thereof being swamps. Swampiness of the oil-and-gas-bearing forested areas of Western Siberia comes up to 50–70%. The depth of snow cover in North-West Russia reaches 1–1.5 m. There is a great variance in duration of snow cover, its nature and properties among different regions of the country. In the absence of any extensive network of paved roads, which is especially characteristic of Siberia and the Far East, an important parameter of vehicles is their passability, or off-road performance. To develop the territory of Siberia, Altai, the Far East and the Far North, as well as to solve the issues of energy and economic security of the country, there is a need for vehicles having high passability in a wide range of operational conditions. The article studies theoretical and practical approaches and results of research conducted by NAMI Cross-Country Vehicle Department (CCV Department) in order to create cross-country off-road vehicles, amphibious vehicles, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the approaches and methods used by the CCV Department when creating cross-country vehicles for severe driving conditions (deep snow, water, swamp, sand, dirt soaked roads).

Methodology and research methods. The article presents analysis of results of theoretical and practical experiments in terms of driving vehicles with wheel, pneumatic-roller and track running gears in different road conditions and off-road.

Scientific novelty and results. The article offers solutions, methods and recommendations for selection of optimal types and kinds of running gears for operation under specific running conditions, as well as reliable design and engineering solutions proven by practical implementation of successful projects.

Practical significance. Confirming the ability and capabilities of the Russian science and engineering school by informing the new generation of engineers about the achievements and successful projects of NAMI CCV Department on creation of wheeled and tracked vehicles intended for driving in various road conditions and off-road, as well as about the theoretical and practical methods applied when implementing them.

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