Apparently, some crazy vodka-addicted Russian engineers/mechanics/crazy Ivans decided that putting together a Soviet-era truck, a gas tank, a top cockpit, and a jet turbine was something useful. Or funny. Or both. What the frak does this thing really do? What is its purpose? Apparently nobody knows. And, most probably, we will never know.
I guess I’d have to hunt this one down, and press the big red button. [Dark Roasted Blend]
bg
August 5, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Its used to clear debris off runways. Drive it down the runway and the engine works like a big arse blower vac. Saw a video of the USAF using one in the Philippines during 50s to clear volcanic dust off runway on discovery channel
Report PermalinkRonin
August 5, 2009 at 11:39 AM
@bg
Yeah, on closer inspection the engine is fixed in place facing down and forward. I’ll go with your theory.
Report PermalinkBadPauly
August 5, 2009 at 11:44 AM
They are also handy to dry/de-ice runways.
Report PermalinkTyronomo
August 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
It is a Soviet hairdryer!
Report PermalinkRonin
August 5, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I think I remember many years ago at an airshow seeing a Russian Tupolev Bomber converted into a firefighting water bomber. It used 2 jet engines to spray the water (yes by firing it -through- the jet engine) to spray water on it’s target.
The truck could possibly be a Fire Fighting vehicle that uses the jet turbine to hurle water or foam retardant onto burning aircraft..
Ok! What did I win? :)
Report PermalinkEvan
August 5, 2009 at 11:38 AM
It is a turbojet engine mounted on a truck and is clearly intended to remove ice and snow from runways and taxiways. The turbojet is a copy of the Rolls Royce Avon which was used to power the North American Sabre jet fighters used by the RAAF in the 1950s, before the Dassault Mirages. Should melt ice and snow quite well, I would think. Russian and Australian technicians are the maddest; they invent things like the vehicle pictured, Australians invented, among other scary vehicles, the flying Willys Jeep, intended to be towed three at a time behind a C-47 (DC3) aircraft and occupied by two soldiers.
Report PermalinkAlex
August 5, 2009 at 11:45 AM
A couple of hints guys. It is Russia, It’s cold. Runways get very icy and jets can easily slide off them. So this fugly unit moves along runway and melts ice and dries the runway. Simply ingenious!!!
I have seen one in action myself, but not the crude example, something more sophisticated.
Report PermalinkDr_Stef
August 5, 2009 at 2:58 PM
This thing looks awesome!
Report Permalinknicholas
August 5, 2009 at 4:24 PM
its a a hair dryer…
Report Permalink