Hemi-spherical Wheels on New Vehicle
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ANEW vehicle, equipped with what its inventor claims is "the greatest advance in
the wheel in a thousand years," is being produced by the Marmon-Herrington Co., in America, according to The Times, whose correspondent reported that it was demonstrated for the first time in Indianapolis last week.
Known as the Rhino, it is claimed that it can roll through a swamp like a ball, move through mud or sand, ford streams, and cruise along roads at 45 m.p.h.
The wheels of the Rhino are made of span aluminium, and look like the halves of huge balls, Set at a slight angle to the massive chassis, they provide traction on uneven ground, and the vehicle can tip to a angle of 75 degrees without falling over. Rubber treads near the edge of the wheels arc used when it is driven on the road.
A speed of 45 m.p.h. has been achieved with an engine of 110 h.p. (American rating), and engineers are said to believe that with a more powerful engine a road speed of 80 m.p.h. could be reached.
A hydro jet unit provides the power when the Rhino takes the water, and gives it a speed of 5 m.p.h. The Rhino has hemispherical wheels, those at the front being 6 ft. in diameter. If they sink in soft ground, their traction area is far greater than that of an ordinary wheel.