The Snow Glider is an unusual contraption which was designed
and built in the Czech Republic by Václav Zahrádka.
The despite the beasty propellor at the back, the aircraft
cockpit-like cabin, and the 'glider' part of the name,
the vehicle is soley designed for travel on land.
It was created for traversing large open expanses of snow
and ice, and by using a propellor and skis instead of
wheels, the Snow Glider avoids some of the traction problems
which plague cars and trucks on these kinds of slippery
surfaces.
Mr Zahrádka got his inspiration for the vehicle
from the specially constructed sleds used by Russian soldiers
during WWII. However the Snow Glider is much faster and
far more agile than these were.
Three prototypes of the Snow Glider have been built so
far. The latest and most advanced of the trio is a two-man
version which is powered by a 40 horsepower snowmobile
engine. Thanks to the use of lightweight materials like
fiberglass and aluminium, the Snow Glider can hit a top
speed of 75 mph and climb hills as steep as 30 degrees.
Steering is done via a bar operated by the feet, this
turns the single front ski to provide directional control.
The throttle and braking are operated by separate hand
levers. The brakes themselves are a rather simple affair.
Behind each of the rear skis is a small plate which digs
in to the snow or ice to slow the vehicle down. Reversing
the Snow Glider is also 'old school'. You get out and
push.
While the Snow Glider will not be useful for the vast
majority of people on this planet. For those living in
the arctic wilderness this would be absolutley ideal.
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