Ground Transportation for Polar Operations - 16 Wheel Low-Ground- Pressure Vehicle (LGPB-16)

Transportation operations at remote sites in polar regions require specialized equipment due to the climatic and terrain conditions. Design criteria was developed for a multipurpose, 5-ton-capacity, high-flotation-tired, prototype vehicle to move personnel and cargo and to provide fire-fighting. crash-rescue capabilities to aircraft operations. Contracts were awarded for the design and fabrication of a 16-wheel low-ground-pressure vehicle LGPV-16. After delivery of the vehicle in late 1970, initial testing indicated the need for a tire with better flotation and traction capabilties. After new tires has been installed and minor modifications made to the suspension system, the vehicle was retested before shipment to Antarctica.