Turbine-Powered 150-tonner
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THOUGHT to be the largest rubber'. tyred vehicle ever built, a 572-ft-long overland train has been constructed by R. G. Le Tourneau, . Inc., for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. The train has 54 10-ft.-high tyres and a cargo capacity of 150 tons. It is intended for cross-country operation.
The 13-unit train is powered by four Solar Saturn gas-turbine engines driving 600-kW. D.C. generators, which in turn provide power for high-torque electric motors geared directly to the rims of each of the 54 independent drive wheels. Solar Saturn T-1000 engines are employed, each of which weighs only 1,400 lb. and occupies a space of less than 51 Cu. ft. Additionally, the control car carries an auxiliary generating plant which provides sufficient power to propel the car and one trailer when detached from the rest of the train.
A special braking system has been developed for the train. When braking, the wheel motors act as generators which in turn convert the main generators into motors. This brings the turbine compressor back towards full speed, even though fuel input has been reduced, and by use of a large bleed valve excess air is dumped from the compressor and the turbine achievesa braking h.p. of .1,400. The turbines have been passed for full military automotive requirenients, including start and operation at —54° C. (-65° F.),.. operation on a 1-in-1.65 gradient, and multi-fuel capability. Saturn gas turbines are built in America by-the Solar Aircraft Co., San Diego, and are marketed in Europe, Africa and the
British Commonwealth . (excluding • Canada) by .Perkins Gas Turbines, Ltd., Peterborough.
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