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Screw propulsion, with its innovative engine, revolutionizes locomotion on difficult terrain, proving that nothing can stop it.
In the 70s, a team of cosmonauts landed in Siberia and expected a conventional rescue. To his surprise, the rescue came in a vehicle with two gigantic screws, as if straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. That's the magic of screw propulsion.
The idea of using screws for locomotion is not new. In the late 19th century, Jacob Morath developed an agricultural machine in the USA that used screws to move. Over the decades, various versions have been created, from steam locomotives to tractors designed to ride on snow. But it was in the Soviet Union that screw propulsion found its true home.
The incredible story of screw propulsion
In the 60s, the Sasil company developed the first Soviet vehicles with screw propulsion. The most impressive model, the ZIL 4904, was an 8,27 meter monster that could carry more than 9 tons. It navigated through snow and mud with ease, but was difficult to transport on normal roads.
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To solve this, the ZIL 2906 appeared in 1975. Smaller and more agile, it was used for years to rescue cosmonauts and their companions. Soyuz capsules in ruthless Siberia. Imagine coming back from space and being rescued by such a futuristic vehicle!
The screw propulsion engine
The heart of these vehicles is the engine that drives the helical drums. In Soviet models such as the ZIL 29061, two engines were installed to improve performance. These motors are essential for converting power into rotational motion, which is then transformed into locomotion through the drums.
The engines generally have significant power, with more modern models using 120 to 137 horsepower diesel engines. This type of engine is robust and capable of generating the torque necessary to move the heavy helical drums through difficult terrain such as snow, mud and even water.
The engine's efficiency on different terrains is remarkable. On soft ground, the vehicle reaches speeds of up to 45 km/h, while in water it can reach speeds of 16 km/h. This versatility is what makes screw propulsion so special, allowing it to traverse areas where conventional vehicles would fail.
The future of screw propulsion
Despite not being common, these vehicles are irreplaceable in swampy and snowy terrain. Russia continues to produce modern versions, such as the CVM 2901, which is used in oil and gas operations in Siberia and has a powerful engine that makes it ideal for extreme conditions.
Screw propulsion is an engineering marvel that proves that, in difficult terrain, nothing can stop it. From rescuing cosmonauts to industrial applications, these vehicles show that innovation can overcome any obstacle. So, what did you think of this revolutionary technology?
It's always good to have alternatives in catastrophic situations.
Sensational, it would be ideal for use against fires in the Pantanal!