The Arctic zone occupies one-fifth of the territory of Russia. More than two million people live there and regularly face transport problems: shift buses are useless in snow drifts and caterpillar all-terrain vehicles cannot carry many passengers at a time.
The Arctic Bus project of South Ural State University may solve the problem. It will be able to move on earth roads, roadless terrain, and snow throughout the year. In emergency situations, it will ensure the survival of people inside.
‘The bus is needed to transport people and transport equipment in the Far North at low temperatures. In emergency situations inside the bus, it will provide full autonomous life support for one day until help arrives. In addition, the Arctic Bus will stay on the water for an hour while people are being evacuated,' says Ramil Zakirov, PhD (Technical Sciences), Director of the SUSU Experimental Engineering Research Institute.
SUSU scientists are responsible for devising the layout of the bus cabin, i.e. all the main components and parts, the semi-trailer and the traction engine, as well as the development of the accommodation module. The results of the economic feasibility study for the project and marketing research make it possible to continue the work.