Automotive Design: All-Terrain Vehicle SHERP

By: Eric

This unstoppable 2,866 pound vehicle is a Russian made is called the SHERP ATV. The SHERP is 11.2 feet long, has an 8.2 foot wide body, and massive out of proportion 5 foot high tires.  With these oddly shaped proportions and body design, I know what you’re thinking, and yes it does look like a life-sized toy Tonka Truck.

Although this funny looking ATV is no laughing matter, SHERP is powered by a 44.3 horsepower 1.5-liter diesel engine, reaching speeds of 28 mph on land and can climb over obstacles up to 2.4 feet high. Plus, SHERP has cross-drive steering. So basically this means that one side of the vehicles tracks (in this case wheels) can stop, while the other side continuous to spin. This is the same way tanks maneuver, making the SHERP be able to turn on a dime. This is perfect for navigating dense forests or tight city streets.

 Not only can SHERP travel on the most hazardous terrain on land, SHERP is also capable of crossing Icey lakes. That’s right it can cross lakes without sinking. SHERP has inflatable tires that supports its own weight in water and uses little paddles on the tires to paddle its way through water. Though it’s a mere 3.7 mph it gets the job done. Also in case of flooding, the SHERP can instantly drains water from itself as it enters the water.

This Amazing unstoppable Russian made vehicle is the perfect All-terrain vehicle that is being sold at a price range from $50,000 to $65,000. This is a bit pricey, but where else are you going to find a vehicle that can climb over obstacles up to 2.4 feet high, travel through dense forests, and not sink to the bottom of a lake? As Top Gear notes, this bad boy is effectively nothing more than a “steel tub with some transmission bolted to it.” So, if those performances don’t impress you, look at the bright side, you have on big Tonka Truck.

Sources:

• "For Just $65,000, You Can Buy a Ridiculous Russian Truck That Can Drive through Water." BGR. N.p., 11 Feb. 2016. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
• "The $50,000 Russian Truck That Doesn't Give a Damn • Gear Patrol." Gear Patrol. N.p., 10 Feb. 2016. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
• "ШЕРП / SHERP / Вездеход Алексея Гарагашьяна." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
• "Sherp ATV." The Awesomer. N.p., 11 Feb. 2016. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.