By Chris on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Not to minimize the horrific happenings we all have seen. In the news reports showing the cleanup and rescue operations at the Pentagon, there is footage of a 6x6 machine working. I don't know what the machine is, but it looks like it's built like a tank and has steering tires. Watching it turn, it looks like it's front and back tires turn in opposite directions to make an arched turn, versus a skid like most of us are used to. This type of steering is what I've been trying to find, because it appears that it can do an arching turn with little impact on the ground and if needed, can crank a skid turn out to make it through tight spots. If building a new AATV, how hard would it be to incorporate a steering mechanism like this into the machine? This would be ideal. (Anyone know what that machine used around the Pentagon is?) Again, I'm not trying to ignore the tragic events, just continue and move on best we all can.

By john prince on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I saw that too...has to be some army spec item I'd say.

By ISAAC EISENMAN (Tropicjungleboy) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

THIS MACHINE LOOKS LIKE THE SUPACAT...IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE UNIT ( OVER 30 K) BUT ON LONG TERM LIFE SPECTATION ISN'T A GOOD DESIGN........NEEDS A LOT OF MANTENIANCE ON BOOTS, STEERINGS LINKAGE...NOT TO MENTION THAT DOESN'T FLOAT!!!EVEN IF IT DOES IS A RISKY UNIT WITH MANY SEALING DEVICE (BOOTS) ATACHED TO MAIN BOTTOM STRUCTURE.....OFCOURSE IS A NICE HEAVY DUTY D R Y LAND TRACTION EQUIPMENT BUT ALSO WITH ALTMOST DOUBLE PSI THAN ARGO OR MAX.....ANYHOW IT'S ALSO BOUNCES!!!

By P.J. on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I'm pretty sure it was a Supacat (check links page).

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Chris, I also saw that 6x6 and it is a Supa Cat. I prefer skid steering but regular turning might be a good option. You can buy your own Supa Cat for only $60,000+.

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

chris,
I think it was a supacat. I caught a brief glimps of it and that is what it looked liked to me. from this web page (photo gallery) their is a lot of specialized supacats.

By MAXEUROPE on Unrecorded Date: Edit

It's a SUPACAT.

The steering is 'Ackerman', where the rear tires do not turn, the centre tires turn som, and the front tires turn twice as much as the centres - It's quite compicated to reproduce in a leisure aatv!!

It's powered by a 1.9l tubo diesel VW unit (as used in the A3 & A4).

They are built in the UK and cost around £35,000 for a base machine - that's around $50,000 US.

By bill couch (172.135.7.116) on : Edit

I have a Mk1 Supacat here in southern Indiana. Only the Mk1 is not amphibious and powered by a gas engine. The Mk2 is a 1.6 diesel and the Mk3 is a 1.9 turbo diesel. I did not see the machine at the Pentagon but it sounds like it has been identified as a Supacat...... Bill