A new off-road, 3-axle hauler in a 6×6 drivetrain, named Kamaz-Arctic (Arctic), was unveiled in Moscow at the “Vuzpromexpo – 2017” exhibition. This gigantic means of transportation was demonstrated by the technical scientific and research design bureau SKB-MAMI, which is one of the creators of this vehicle.
This is because formally the vehicle was created as part of a consortium formed by PJSC Kamaz together with Moscow Polytechnic University, just SKB-MAMI and the Department of Wheeled Machinery at Moscow State Technical University named after Bauman – exactly the coordinator here is PJSC Kamaz, co-reporters and contractors of the order Bauman MSTU and MAMI.
This was the work within the framework of a complex project underway since 2016 to build a family of new all-terrain vehicles to solve the problem of transportation in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.
This project is expected to run until 2019 and will serve to solve three main issues, related to the preparation:
- A new type of wheel drive for working on low load-bearing soil – generally shoddy, unstable surfaces;
- family of all-terrain vehicles for use in the conditions of the Russian Federation’s Arctic zone;
- A unified articulated carrier system for the vehicle.
Responsibilities among the partners were divided according to their leading competencies.
For example, MAMI specialists were responsible for performing the following tasks:
- The design of the living module, the exterior elements of the cabin and the front bumper;
- calculating the ergonomics of individual component units and components under development;
- Selection of lighting equipment for the cabin and household appliances of the housing module;
- Development of design documentation and a mathematical model for prototype production.
Meanwhile, prototypes of the wheel drive system for this Arctic all-terrain vehicle were developed at the Moscow Polytechnic Institute.
Prototypes of wheels with low-pressure tires were designed and made there, as such an implementation was stipulated in the contract between this institution and PJSC Kamaz.
At the same time, there were stringent requirements here in the areas of reliability and energy efficiency in conditions of use in the Northern Arctic regions, both in terms of design and components.
Among others.
SKB MAMI specialists succeeded in combining the utility characteristics of quad vehicles with an interesting, stylish design and ergonomics that meet all the criteria for autonomy – autonomous and at the same time comfortable stay on board.
In the commercial sphere, the product is intended for use in hard-to-reach areas of Russia – in the Arctic and Siberia and the Far East.
Among other places, Yakutia is indicated as one such target for future possible exploitation.
Yakutia.
And with such locations in mind, Kamaz and its partners assembled this premiere Arktika model.
Thus, it was adapted to operate not only in extremely unfavorable road conditions, but also in a very difficult climate.
The issue, therefore, is the ability to operate freely even in extremely low and moderate temperatures in swampy areas, marshy areas, muddy areas, areas with no paved road network at all, or with typical dirt roads that are difficult to traverse during periods of snowmelt and precipitation.
These areas are therefore known for their low bearing capacity – in particular, a thin layer of fertile soil is easily destroyed, “exposing” permafrost.
Therefore, one of the important goals facing specialists turned out to be reducing the negative impact on the environment.
So far, sometimes heavy vehicles, moving in the tundra, seriously namely damage the soil, which in this difficult natural zone very slowly returns to its original state.
Thus, the project team had to build vehicles with high mobility and carrying capacity, but at the same time as little damage to nature as possible.
In this case, the vehicles should be suitable for driving where it happens that sometimes even the popular Kamaz or Urals in full off-road completion, that is, with all axles driven and only single tires on the wheels, cannot cope or are not advisable.
In design layout, however, the Arctica should not be classified as a classic truck, but as an articulated hauler, resembling typical haulers, including usually dump trucks serving in open-pit mines or on selected construction sites.
The above is due to the fact that it is characterized by a high degree of freedom to turn in the horizontal plane and the ability to perform rotation around its own axis in the vertical plane.
As a result, the front part can move – within certain limits, of course – almost independently of the rear part.
As a result, when traversing very difficult terrain, the load-bearing structure is not subjected to the kind of torsional and bending forces that a traditional ladder-type truck frame might be subjected to under analogous conditions.
The external dimensions and off-road characteristics are also similar to those of ordinary construction haulers.
However, completely different include the underlying purpose. Since the project envisages the preparation of a family of all-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires, designed to transport various cargoes and people on all types of roads anywhere in the Arctic zones of Siberia and the Far East, the Arktika is to meet specific requirements – it is to be a variant dedicated to covering decidedly longer distances, including operating independently over long distances for several days, with no option to descend to a base or other place for resupply and/or crew rest.
Thus, it will essentially perform para-car functions, serving to transport people and supplies to points far from any civilization, with extremely difficult land access.
It is therefore expected that the new family of off-road vehicles will be used primarily for moving cargo, towing trailers, and building special equipment and technical installations of economic importance.
Such off-road versions are badly needed for oil and gas production, transportation companies, geological exploration, mining and forestry, environmental organizations, agriculture, law enforcement, emergency medical services and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
In other words, the Arktika family will come in handy where even a truck with a typical off-road configuration will note serious trouble getting there.
That’s why this unique wheeled all-terrain uses a number of specific components.
A single, balloon-shaped off-road tread tire – wide, low-pressure, pressure-adjustable tires typically used on agricultural machinery, construction equipment or vehicles used in extremely difficult road conditions, including deserts and direct field service – is mounted on all wheels.
The long cab is borrowed from normal Kamazes – precisely from the so-called.
Russian line after the last modernization, but firstly it was placed quite high, secondly it was strongly extended forward, all the way in front of the front axle, thirdly it was provided with protective arches, ladders and in front additional long-range headlights, and fourthly it was equipped with a completely different than standard, made of plastic and bulging front grille with more dynamic – sharp styling.
This cabin – due to its location – is entered by as many as five steps, including lower swinging steps that tilt on contact.
The mighty solid steel front bumper – wider than the width of a standard cab – mainly at the front forms a kind of platform – a deck to help wipe/wash the windshield.
At the front it has two hooks – winch cable leads, on the front top edge two shackles, and on its upper, slightly receding corners it got round headlights protected by a steel grille, complemented by – also protected by a grille – lower fog lights.
In addition, it is distinguished by an integrated, also massive, heavy-duty, heavily beveled rearward steel cover for the underside of the engine, including the radiator.
This guard consists of several parts.
Another distinguishing feature is the wide front axle wheel arches, which additionally serve as a platform to help climb into the cab or walk to the rear, to the special living module located there – the appropriate arrangement of the individual components means that this passage can be made without having to descend to ground level. In fact, due to the pursuit of the aforementioned operational autonomy, the front cabin is supplemented by a rear, separate – completely unconnected to this front cabin – fully equipped sleeping and living module, providing the crew with full support in the event of a lack of contact with civilization.
In this thermally and acoustically insulated module, sleeping areas were introduced – recliners, a kitchen, independent heating, an autonomous power generator and even a bathroom with a toilet.
This makes it suitable for traveling to the North Pole, waiting out heavy snowstorms, in turn waiting comfortably for help in the event of an emergency or jam.
The result is something like a miniaturized hotel room on wheels.
Overall, the module guarantees everything necessary for a comfortable life for three people in a harsh climate.
Besides – in addition to the basic 3-axle variant, due to the modular nature of the structure, the designers developed a 4-axle edition, with an increased gross vehicle weight rating, in an 8×8 drive system.
In June 2017, the stage related to the creation of the wheel drive family was completed.
Thanks to the low pressure generated by the tires on the ground and the increased flexibility, a very good – smooth transmission was achieved, combined with the desired environmental friendliness.
Consequently, during movement, the pressure on the soil is reduced, the footprint left becomes less deep, in turn, the total energy loss is reduced.
Importantly, all parameters and performance characteristics of the transmission system will be preserved even in the conditions of the Arctic zone.
Mikhail Moiseyev – chief service specialist of Kamaz innovative cars – said: “According to our information, there is a shortage of heavy vehicles, from 10 tons upwards, in specific Arctic conditions. Most of the equipment available on the market is suitable for use in the central part of the country and inappropriate for use in climates with harsh temperature characteristics. Existing tires do not have the flexibility required for soft soil interaction. The developed tires use a rubber composition more suitable for Arctic conditions. They are expected to be frost resistant, able to maintain flexibility and less harmful to the environment.” The requirements for wheel drive and the tires themselves are namely contradictory: minimum ground pressure, high power transmission capacity and the vehicle’s ability to be driven on general-purpose roads (with corresponding requirements for general dimensions) must be met simultaneously here. Accordingly, the decision was made to establish two types of wheels with the conditional names “Standard Size” and “Custom Size.” The systems of both types consist of two components – a wheel and a pneumatic tire. The “Standard” option provides minimal ground pressure and the ability to move normally on public roads.
But the cargo capacity is limited in this case.
Mikhail Moisejev emphasizes here that the geometric dimensions of the vehicle are limited: the outer width is a maximum of 2550 cm, and the engine is located in the center.
Thus, the space for setting tires is strictly defined.
In doing so, it is necessary that their load-bearing surface be as large as possible.
The tires developed at Moscow Polytechnic Institute fill the allotted space in an optimal way.
The second option for wheel drive – the so-called. non-standard, meanwhile, guarantees better “drivability” in difficult terrain, but shows limitations for traffic on normal roads.
The first example of the Kamaz Arktika, after its presentation at the Vuzpromexpo trade fair in Moscow, was to be sent to Yakutia, for road – off-road tests there in actual Arctic operating conditions.
According to Russian media reports, it seems highly likely today that this extremely interesting product will eventually go into small-series production.