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Sand-X Motors Introduce the Sand-X T-ATV Desert Patrol
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.From a Recreational Vehicle Developed for the Emirates' Royalty,
the Tracked All-Terrain Vehicle Turns into a Special Operations Desert Warrior
The SAND-X T-ATV is build to cross the desert as fast and safe as possible and supporting the troops. SAND-X T-ATV pilots can cross the dunes in every directions and can follow the given navigation route or choose theirs own path without large detours. Hard reached locations in the desert, so called 'black spots', are now easy, fast and safely accessible for land forces with this new generation of desert vehicles. Photos: Sand-X Motors.
Defense-Update has reviewed several innovative manned and unmanned platforms, including tracked, wheeled all terrain vehicles, quad ATVs and motorcycles. The new Sand-X Tracked-all-terrain vehicle is a class of its own (T-ATV) .Originally adopted by the emirate's eliteas a powerful recreational vehicle, it was recently introduced as a desert patrols vehicle, tailored for security and military market, special operations and other military applications.
T-ATV is an ATV category defined by a hybrid traction system combining low-pressure tires supported by a continuous track in the back, providing the traction, adding stability and safety at all speeds, sloped angles and terrain. Like a motorcycle or snowmobile the T-ATV is steered by handlebars. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles.
The tires used on the vehicle can be matched for every terrain while the track, made of tough Kevlar composite, is designed for operation over different types of terrain including deep and dry sand, rocks, gravel and loose dirt, shallow water, mud, snow or ice. The vehicle is said to be much safer for riding off-road or when travelling over pavement and roads. The new militarized model of the Sand-X T-ATV introduced recently is powered by a Rotax 4 stroke fuel-injecting 1,200cc petrol engine, with automatic transmission, operating over ough terrain without refueling at distances exceeding 350 km. Sofar the recreational version of the Sand-X was offered with a 800cc engine. The developer, Sand-X Motors of the UAE has recently introduced two militarized versions of this recreational vehicle, designed for special-operations, military and security applications. According to the manufacturer, Sand X T-ATV is faster and safer than any other sand vehicle and can carry more gear combined with bigger fuel range for longer range operations.
The motorbike-style Control-handle acts on the two tires on the front-axle. This allows precise tracking and directional control. Furthermore the stability in the roll axis is dramatically increased. The point of gravity is exceptionally low and the Kevlar made track provides optimum grip for precise power and speed control. The risk of roll-over or directional instability is reduced to a minimum with the low center of gravity, and wide stance roll over protection. Furthermore, with a single track providing traction, the Sand-X T-ATV does not need any ground clearance to overcome obstacles. On desert missions teams riding the Sand-X can cross the terrain to the target in a straight line, through dunes, rocks or other obstacles impeding mobility with other vehicles.
Traveling cross country at high speed enables security teams or special forces to save time, effectively chase fleeting targets and control larger areas with fewer forces. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds, and can reach a top speed of 185 km/h cross country. It can carry a payload up to 300 kg weight, is equipped with extra strong cooling system supporting operations in tropical/desert conditions.
08.2010 Abu Dhabi, UAE
DEFENSE UPDATE
25.08.2010
Sand-X Motors Introduce the Sand-X T-ATV Desert Patrol
From a Recreational Vehicle Developed for the Emirates' Royalty,
the Tracked All-Terrain Vehicle Turns into a Special Operations Desert Warrior
Where conflicts are waged in remote inhibited and desert lands, mobility becomes a major concern for military planners. Movements are predictable and vulnerable, with convoy restricted to known transportation routes, where they are exposed to IED and ambushes. Elsewhere, security forces and border guards are tasked with exhaustive mission of sealing off long and porous borders in an attempt to block illegal immigration, stop drug smuggling, and monitor pipelines and mines, eliminating theft of oil and minerals. For these tasks and many more, all-terrain mobility becomes imperative.
The SAND-X T-ATV is build to cross the desert as fast and safe as possible and supporting the troops. SAND-X T-ATV pilots can cross the dunes in every directions and can follow the given navigation route or choose theirs own path without large detours. Hard reached locations in the desert, so called 'black spots', are now easy, fast and safely accessible for land forces with this new generation of desert vehicles. Photos: Sand-X Motors.
Defense-Update has reviewed several innovative manned and unmanned platforms, including tracked, wheeled all terrain vehicles, quad ATVs and motorcycles. But the new Sand-X Tracked-all-terrain vehicle (T-ATV),deserves a categorie for itself. Originally adopted by the emirate's eliteas a powerful recreational vehicle, it was recently introduced as a desert patrols vehicle, tailored for security and military market, special operations and other military applications.
T-ATV is an ATV category defined by a hybrid traction system combining low-pressure tires supported by a continuous track in the back, providing the traction, adding stability and safety at all speeds, sloped angles and terrain. Like a motorcycle or snowmobile the T-ATV is steered by handlebars. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles.
The tires used on the vehicle can be matched for every terrain while the track, made of tough Kevlar composite, is designed for operation over different types of terrain including deep and dry sand, rocks, gravel and loose dirt, shallow water, mud, snow or ice. The vehicle is said to be much safer for riding off-road or when travelling over pavement and roads. The new militarized model of the Sand-X T-ATV introduced recently is powered by a Rotax 4 stroke fuel-injecting 1,200cc petrol engine, with automatic transmission, operating over ough terrain without refueling at distances exceeding 350 km. Sofar the recreational version of the Sand-X was offered with a two-stroke 800cc engine. The four stroke 1200cc is quieter, and has better fuel efficiency, travelling a range of 350 km with a 42 liter tank. The developer, Sand-X Motors of Switzerland has recently introduced two militarized versions of this recreational vehicle, designed for special-operations, military and security applications. According to the manufacturer, Sand X T-ATV is faster and safer than any other sand vehicle and can carry more gear combined with bigger fuel range for longer range operations.
According to Sand-X Motors, the Sand-X is already in use by several special operations and reconnaissance units of several military forces in the Middle East region and North Africa. While the company has not disclosed the countries using the vehicles, its logistical supply and support centers located in and Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and Saudi-Arabia, in addition to the UAE central operations facility.
The motorbike-style Control-handle acts on the two tires on the front-axle. This allows precise tracking and directional control. Furthermore the stability in the roll axis is dramatically increased. The point of gravity is exceptionally low and the Kevlar made track provides optimum grip for precise power and speed control. The risk of roll-over or directional instability is reduced to a minimum with the low center of gravity, and wide stance roll over protection. Furthermore, with a single track providing traction, the Sand-X T-ATV does not need any ground clearance to overcome obstacles. On desert missions teams riding the Sand-X can cross the terrain to the target in a straight line, through dunes, rocks or other obstacles impeding mobility with other vehicles.
Traveling cross country at high speed enables security teams or special forces to save time, effectively chase fleeting targets and control larger areas with fewer forces. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds, and can reach a top speed of 185 km/h cross country. It can carry a payload up to 300 kg weight, is equipped with extra strong cooling system supporting operations in tropical/desert conditions.
, 12/2009
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091205/MULTIMEDIA/912049991/1313
Over sand and sea
Neil Vorano
A long time ago in my hometown of Timmins, a small city situated in the wilds of Northern Ontario in Canada, there was a local stunt-driving hero by the name of Frenchy Cloutier. I kid you not.
Cloutier was famous for his monster trucks and racing snowmobiles, and he was also known for taking one of these snowmobiles and crossing the Mattagami River. Normally that’s not a notable accomplishment, as the river freezes to solid ice in the bitterly cold winters. No, what’s notable about this is that Cloutier crossed the river in the height of summer – over open water. He found that if he went fast enough, the skis would act as a hydroplane, and he skipped from one shore to the other. No word of a lie.
I couldn’t help but think of Cloutier as this black, snowmobile-like machine was driven off the trailer in front of me, because I wasn’t standing on a field of snow in my heavy snowsuit, but on the edge of endless sand dunes outside of Dubai in my desert riding gear, waiting to test the Sand-X 800 T-ATV (tracked all-terrain vehicle).
The idea is simple, yet it makes sense for this terrain; so much sense that it’s a wonder no one thought of it before. Partial machines come from the Bombardier snowmobile factory in Quebec, Canada, and about 250 different parts are added right here in Abu Dhabi to make it suitable for desert duty, including ribbed sand tyres instead of skis, a larger radiator in the front, special sliders for the kevlar track and sealed bearings.
Urs Eiselin, the man behind the venture here, says the Sand-X is safer than quad bikes or motorcycles because of its low centre of gravity. The track keeps full contact with the sand and the front wheels are spread wider than the body, making sharper turns at speed and traversing dunes sideways possible.
Indeed, the seating position on the Sand-X is lower than a quad bike, and the machine feels solid. But when the 800cc, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine is fired up and the thumb throttle is pushed, you find that the Sand-X is different from quads in an entirely different way.
The acceleration of this beast is almost unthinkable – 0-to-100kph comes in less than three seconds. That’s quicker than a Ferrari, and it’s on sand. The grip from the track is impressive, as it grabs hold immediately, allowing the full 158hp of the roaring engine to slingshot it ahead and scare the life out of an unsuspecting rider. If there is enough space, the machine will power up to a top speed of 185kph, which should come quickly.
Going forward is just a matter of using the throttle. Power goes through a belt-driven, constantly variable transmission, so there are no gears to shift through, making the Sand-X even easier to ride. It has a brake, but the machine slows as soon as the throttle is lifted, which also makes going up and down steep hills easier.
The very design of the Sand-X means that traversing dunes is a straightforward affair, and by that I mean point it straight up a dune, punch the throttle and go over the top, no matter how pointed it is or how steep the other side. The grippy track stays in full contact with the sand, and it won’t ever get hung up. I even came to a full stop halfway up a steep dune, then started back up again with no problem. A truck, quad or motocross bike would have to come back down – and that would usually mean fall down – for another run up the face. I can’t think of another vehicle that can do that; it’s like this machine was designed for the desert as opposed to the snow.
Taking bowls and hills at steep sideways angles was a thrill, knowing that the manoeuvres would be impossible on other vehicles, especially at lower speeds. The stability is shocking to someone on a Sand-X for the first time, but with so much power on hand there are liable to be limits. I didn’t find them, thankfully.
Turning is incredibly similar to a ski-equipped snowmobile on snow. At higher speeds it shows some float but generally goes where you point it; at lower speeds, the front end pushes out no matter the turn on the handlebars, and it takes some technique to get a tight circle. In all cases, the rider must lean hard into the turns, which can get tiring after a while with such a heavy vehicle (around 200kg) that doesn’t lean, especially if you have a lot of tight pivots to make.
But a short run in the desert showed the Sand-X is brilliant. At high speeds, even on rough ground and going around bushes and dunes, it was rock-solid with not a whiff of turning over. It’s also comfortable and stable enough to stay sitting over all but the roughest of terrain, which makes it easier on your legs, though when you do have to get up you’ll find it’s a longer way to go compared with a motorcycle, because of the riding position. But a day’s run in the desert would be no problem on the Sand-X, especially with its advertised fuel range of more than 300km.
Eiselin says he plans to run the Sand-X at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, and boasts that he’ll beat the quad bikes “by hours”. But first, he must wait for homologation by the FIM, the international motorcycle racing body, for a special class for the Sand-X, as it doesn’t fit into the quad bike class. He hopes to have a team ready for the 2011 event.
But, at Dh105,000 each – around three times the price of a good quad bike – it’s easy to see why you don’t see more in the desert on the weekends. Which is a shame, really, because the Sand-X s an absolute blast for desert rats and adrenaline junkies alike. I just wish I had thought of the idea myself.
Cloutier was famous for his monster trucks and racing snowmobiles, and he was also known for taking one of these snowmobiles and crossing the Mattagami River. Normally that’s not a notable accomplishment, as the river freezes to solid ice in the bitterly cold winters. No, what’s notable about this is that Cloutier crossed the river in the height of summer – over open water. He found that if he went fast enough, the skis would act as a hydroplane, and he skipped from one shore to the other. No word of a lie.
The idea is simple, yet it makes sense for this terrain; so much sense that it’s a wonder no one thought of it before. Partial machines come from the Bombardier snowmobile factory in Quebec, Canada, and about 250 different parts are added right here in Abu Dhabi to make it suitable for desert duty, including ribbed sand tyres instead of skis, a larger radiator in the front, special sliders for the kevlar track and sealed bearings.
Indeed, the seating position on the Sand-X is lower than a quad bike, and the machine feels solid. But when the 800cc, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine is fired up and the thumb throttle is pushed, you find that the Sand-X is different from quads in an entirely different way.
The very design of the Sand-X means that traversing dunes is a straightforward affair, and by that I mean point it straight up a dune, punch the throttle and go over the top, no matter how pointed it is or how steep the other side. The grippy track stays in full contact with the sand, and it won’t ever get hung up. I even came to a full stop halfway up a steep dune, then started back up again with no problem. A truck, quad or motocross bike would have to come back down – and that would usually mean fall down – for another run up the face. I can’t think of another vehicle that can do that; it’s like this machine was designed for the desert as opposed to the snow.
Turning is incredibly similar to a ski-equipped snowmobile on snow. At higher speeds it shows some float but generally goes where you point it; at lower speeds, the front end pushes out no matter the turn on the handlebars, and it takes some technique to get a tight circle. In all cases, the rider must lean hard into the turns, which can get tiring after a while with such a heavy vehicle (around 200kg) that doesn’t lean, especially if you have a lot of tight pivots to make.
But, at Dh105,000 each – around three times the price of a good quad bike – it’s easy to see why you don’t see more in the desert on the weekends. Which is a shame, really, because the Sand-X s an absolute blast for desert rats and adrenaline junkies alike. I just wish I had thought of the idea myself.
The bonkers Sand-X T-ATV800
The fastest desert-crosser this side of a helicopter
EVO MAGAZINE MIDDLE EAST November 2009
May 2009
The Sand-X all-terrain vehicle capable of speeds of 114mph
It's capable of 114mph and such mind-boggling grip that it will do 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds - faster than a Ferrari Enzo
There's a reason they used to make F1 run-off areas out of sand: it slows you down. Shame nobody told the makers of Sand-X, a new all-terrain vehicle capable of 114mph and such mind-boggling grip that it will do 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds - faster than a Ferrari Enzo.
Snowboarder Urs Eiselin had the idea of mating a quad bike with a snowmobile, the ungainly looking result surprising him by outperforming them both. Also capable of driving on Tarmac (at 100mph, with sophisticated suspension soaking up the bumps) and in mud or snow, the Sand-X's design gives it a very low centre of gravity, making it almost impossible to tip over.
The Sand-X can tackle steep dunes head-on, driving across the desert in a straight line rather than winding around the berms
This means it can corner faster and, unlike a jeep or a quad bike, it can tackle steep dunes head-on, driving across the desert in a straight line rather than winding around the berms.If that sounds like something the SAS might be interested in, the manufacturers have had exactly the same idea, pitching the Sand-X to the military with helpful suggestions as to which guns could best be used.
Rich thrill-seekers come first, though -Sand-X reps are currently touring the Middle East to drum up trade, opening the first dealership in the UAE. One emir's son has already had his gold-plated. Naturally.
£16,000, sand-x.com
If you were looking for the most badass desert bike on the planet, you came to the right place. The Sand-X isn't scared of SUVs, quads or armed bandits...
SAND-X Motors have announced their latest creation – the SAND-X T-ATV 800, which they claim is the safest, fastest and most powerful ‘dune bike’ in the world. With two wheels at the front and continuous track at the back, the SAND-X T-ATV 800 tracked-all-terrain-vehicle is fitted with a liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, 800cc two-stroke engine from Rotax, which redlines at 8,150rpm. With 160bhp on tap, the 210kg (dry weight) SAND-X T-ATV 800 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 2.8 seconds and hits a top speed of 185km/h! Range is more than 350km.
The SAND-X T-ATV 800 is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which makes it easy to ride. The brakes are high-spec Brembo units and, according to its manufacturer, there is no way you can roll the SAND-X T-ATV 800 because it carries all its weight down low and the continuous track doesn’t require any ground clearance. In fact, the rear track is made of high-strength Kevlar composite and is said to provide unmatched grip and traction on any surface.
For those who must modify their ride, the SAND-X T-ATV 800 can not only be fitted with extra lights, cameras, GPS navigation devices and emergency rescue kits, but also… er, machine guns. Umm… yeah, well, the SAND-X T-ATV 800 probably being pitched to military types as a high-mobility vehicle for the desert.
Sand-X T-ATV 800. Звезда песочницы
Это транспортное средство, разгоняющееся до «сотни» за 2,8 секунды, – нечто среднее между снегоходом и мотовездеходом. Самое примечательное – это то, что SAND-X T-ATV 800 не является ни снегоходом, ни традиционным мотовездеходом. Это что-то среднее между…Разработчики из Sand-X Motors настаивают на уникальном характере этой машины, характеризуя ее как вседорожник на гусеничной тяге. SAND-X T-ATV 800 – гусеничный вездеход. Спереди у него ось с установленными на нее традиционными колесами, сзади – гусеничный трак.
Управление этой машиной доступно даже ребенку. Любой, кто хоть когда-нибудь садился на мотоцикл, сможет «оседлать» Sand-X без особых проблем. Хотя одна проблема все же имеется. Это необыкновенная динамика этой машины.Изготовленный из композитного материала гусеничный вездеход может передвигаться по различным поверхностям, хотя, исходя из названия, наиболее приемлемой трассой для этой машины должны стать песочные дюны.
Верите ли вы или нет, но X-Sand может перемещаться по песчаной целине со скоростью, для большего чтсла мотоциклов недоступной. Его «максималка» равна 250 км/ч, а разгон от 0 до 100 км/ч установлен на отметке… 2,8 с. Такие показатели достигаются засчет малого веса конструкции (не более 250 кг) и 2-хтактного мотора Rotax с жидкостным охлаждением рабочим объемом 800 «кубиков», вырабатывающего 160 л.с. максимальной мощности.
Машина – зверь, не правда ли? Производитель, между тем, спешит заявить, что Sand-X – самый быстрый и, одновременно, самый безопасный гусеничный вездеход на всем белом свете.Цена на SAND-X T-ATV 800 начинается от $25250. Кто станет покупателем этой машины? Несомненно те, кто проживает в регионах, примыкающих к большим песчаным пустыням. Т.е. воинствующие (военные) молодые люди с Ближнего Востока. Там и пустынь много, и богатых людей хватает.
Видеоролик о Sand-X можно посмотреть здесь.
A vehicle for the desert with the performance of a Ferrari Enzo
The Swiss have a reputation for being solid, thorough, precise but also somewhat conservative. The SAND-X T-ATV will blow that perception clear out of your mind.
The SAND-X T-ATV, made in Canada, is the invention of Urs Eiselin who envisioned an all-terrain vehicle capable of 115 mph and acceleration of 0- 60 in about 2.8 seconds, which is faster than even a Ferrari Enzo. Designed primarily for use in border patrol and law enforcement activities, the company involved military personnel to help shape the final product. Its primary target is sales to the Middle East.
The riding position is based on that of a snowmobile, rather than an ATV, which the designers believed to be more stable in its chosen environment. It also allows for a large fuel tank -- for greater range -- than what you'd find in an ATV.
The SAND-X T-ATV is powered by a Rotax fuel-injected two-stroke 800cc with a high-specification liquid-cooling system to prevent overheating in extreme environments. Its power output is 160 horsepower, which is definitely below what you'd find in a Ferrari or a Porsche. However, with its light weight the power to weight ratio is closer to that of a Superbike.
SAND-X T-ATV extreme performance offroad vehicle mates snowmobile with ATV
By Paolo Rossetti, Correspondent
With the SAND-X T-ATV, traversing impassable terrain is a breeze, says Paolo Rossetti
There's a new kid on the block when it comes to performance on sand - yes, we have a few models of 4x4 vehicles which will take you up some dunes; and we have a good selection of ATVs, known as quads, which can conquer most dunes, but up until now there were always some climbs a bit too steep, or a bit too risky to negotiate.
Today, in its second generation, the sands are owned by Sand-X!Imagine this: parked at the bottom of the steepest, softest slipface in the Salamat area of Al Ain (close to where the annual Al Saad Hill Climb Challenge takes place), looking up this incredible sheer sand dune of mountain proportions, you give the Sand-X some gas and before you know it you have reached the peak, and you now tower above all things visible - you feel like a falcon so high up there over the dune ranges.How did you get up there, you wonder. Well, if you had blinked, you would have missed it!
The Sand-X is a converted snowmobile - but that doesn't do it justice. It is a converted snowmobile capable of reaching 100 kph in 2.8 seconds! Read that again, no mistake: 2.8 seconds!Ah, the danger, I hear you thinking! Don't we have enough injuries due to insane idiots tumbling down dunes on their quad bikes to warrant yet another instrument of death?I'm afraid, in this case, you are mistaken. As strange as this will sound, the Sand-X not only out-performs quads (and I mean making the most powerful quad appear like a tortoise) it is also safer by miles.
The sensation you get from that machine is incredible and defies
all of what you've previously experienced on the sand.
Let me explain. The challenge of riding the dunes is one of negotiating the inclines. A regular 4x4 vehicle has a side roll-over angle of around 30 degrees - on a slipface, if parallel to the dune crest, you will roll over.
A quad bike is a bit better, but still, because it requires adequate ground clearance, it sits high on its suspension, and the centre of gravity dictates that a roll is quite possible, and almost certain if riding regularly.All it takes is a misjudgment of speed, a badly-placed bush, a patch of softer-than-normal sand - then you are head-over-heels with a big heavy chunk of angular metal for company.The Sand-X is totally different in design. It does not require ground clearance; in fact, the rear track hugs the ground. It is solidly attached to the sand, so much that turning it over to see what's underneath requires a hoist.The entire weight of the Sand-X is down low and the two front wheels are far apart. There is no way, even intentionally, that you could roll it down a hill.The best thing to happen to the offroading scene here
That is great news! Leaving aside the astounding power for the time being, the Sand-X is the best thing that could happen to the off-roading scene in the UAE!
I had the chance to do that Al Salamat climb I mentioned in the opening, and as I became more familiar with the capabilities of the Sand-X, I began to try trickier side slopes, steep tight bowls, and sharp crests - it is unbelievably stable.Towards the end of my ride I was tranquilly climbing over impassable terrain, actually aiming for the nastiest spots I could find, where, by experience, I would have definitely rolled with any other vehicle.So the Sand-X is safe - safer than any other sand vehicle I have tried. True, I suppose you could fly off the top of the dune if you didn't slow down, and you could also smash into another vehicle, but that's not what I'm talking about.
The driver will always remain responsible for choosing the appropriate speed and line; I'm talking about the innovation of design and how it affects safety capabilities. Absolutely incredible! Why have we not had Sand-Xs years before?!Now, onto the power side of things. Did you know that an acceleration of 0-100 kph in 2.8 seconds is faster than a Ferrari Enzo? Can you imagine how that feels when going up a dune? I doubt you can - I was in shock for a few minutes, just resting up there, basking in the view and thinking: did that really just happen?Adrenalin junkies, take a deep breath and close your mouths; because what I'm about to describe will get you salivating. You sit squarely on the long and wide seat of the Sand-X.It's very comfortable, actually, and you could ride long-distance no worries. You fire up the 600cc ROTAX 2-stroke fuel-injected 115 HP 2-cylinder engine with its electric start. The centrifugal clutch means there's no gear levers to mess with, and so you accelerate with the thumb-lever.
The sensation you get from that machine is incredible and defies all of what you've previously experienced on the sand. There is no slippage of the wheels - the full amount of torque transfers directly to the seat of your pants.It is simply a huge rush of adrenalin, a shot that hits your brain and bounces off the inside of your skull, ricocheting around as new hits just keep on coming in.It is undoubtedly a high, a machine-induced high that will keep you gunning for those precipitous climbs over and over again, until basically the muscles in your arms give way, and you reluctantly tear yourself away.Triers, believers. Urs Eiselin is the man behind the Sand-X - a professional competitive snow boarder, he has now set up shop to make this amazing machine available to enthusiasts in the UAE and the Gulf.
Alternatively, check out the Sand-X.com website.
Liquid-cooled, marketed by one of the main distributors of jet-skis (meaning they can offer solid after-sales support), and just plain one of the most fun sand machines ever invented - and safe, too - the Sand-X will soon revolutionise dune riding the way we know it!
Tracked all-terrain vehicles – the ultimate solution!
Sunday, 22 February, 2009, International Defence Exhibition Abu Dhabi 2009
The manufacturer of a tracked all-terrain vehicle (T-ATV) featured on IDEX Stand E01 in Hall 12 claims it not only outperforms the most powerful conventional quads, but is also safer. Produced by Sand-X Motors, the vehicle has a notably low centre of gravity.
In fact the entire weight of the SAND-X T-ATV is low down and the two front wheels are far apart, so there is no way that it could be rolled down a hill, even intentionally, according to the company. Marketed as a desert patrol vehicle, it does not require ground clearance because the rear track hugs the ground and there can be no slippage of the wheels. This is explained by the definition of the Sand-X as a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tyres supported by a continuous track at the back, which accounts for the unbeatable traction.
The driver sits astride the main body and uses handlebars for steering control. As the name implies, the Sand-X is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. The rider operates the vehicle like a motorcycle, but the extra track provides greater traction, stability and safety at all speeds and greatly increases its off-road capabilities. The vehicle’s track is made from a Kevlar composite, intended for operation on different surfaces, including those without a road or trails.
The SAND-X T-ATV 800 featured at IDEX is claimed to be the perfect vehicle for special operations, target acquisition and all kinds of peacekeeping missions. For policing borders and crossing a desert as quickly and safely as possible, theSand-X 800 T-ATV is boldly said to be indispensable. It has a maximum speed of 185km/h and claims cornering speeds never reached before. It can carry payloads of up to 300kg, including communication equipment, machine guns or other weapons.
Weighing 210kg, the vehicle is powered by a liquid-cooled 799cc two-cylinder Rotax 800 2-TEC in which fuel is injected into the transfer port of each cylinder; a process that reduces emissions and increases fuel economy, without sacrificing power. The Sand-X is 2,890mm long, 1,217mm wide and has an overall height of 1,000mm.
Wheels Magazine, UAE
WHEELS MAGAZINE, UAE by: Chandan Mallik. December 2008
We’ve done quite a few all terrain vehicle (ATV) and quad tests in this magazine, but so far none have been as intriguing as the SAND-X T-ATV, an on and off-road contraption that looks like a 2-in-1 Swiss army knife on wheels. Actually it’s more of a land version of a snowmobile with its own track at the rear and front skis replaced with free wheel with a proper jet ski/bike steering.
Conceived and engineered in Canada, this one-of-a-kind desert sled is assembled in the UAE from imported completely knocked down components made in Germany, US, Canada and the middle East. It comes equipped with a high output fuel injected liquid-cooled Rotax two-stroke 800cc engine conveniently tucked under the aero contoured lightweight jet-ski like non metal bodywork. The adrenaline-pumping engine has a redline of 8,150rpm and pumps out close to 151bhp, while the variomatic belt and pulley mechanism serves as both the clutch and the gear system rolled into one. Similar to a snowmobile set-up, both reverse gear and parking brake are electronically operated. The cooling system has been modified to run under extreme desert conditions and the twin-fan and large cooling radiators are mounted on the front end of the chassis. SAND-X T-ATV claims that with a full-top of coolant, it’s equivalent to that of a Mercedes M-Class set-up.
The tunnel chassis is made of aluminium and features jet ski-type runner boards instead of foot pegs. In order to be agile on loose sand its front and rear suspension architecture takes their respective cues directly from a snowmobile set-up. While the front uses an independent A-arm with spring loaded shock absorbers and links, the rear is a bit more complicated and uses an assortment of shock absorbers, belts and linkages. What is nice though, despite its unconventional packaging, both front and rear suspension offer 8in and 9in of travel respectively.
Familiar features include motorcycle styled analogue gauges, a motocross type handlebar with functional switches for lights and ignition cut off switch, a small but functional plexiglass single-piece fairing mounted up front and a single dual seat and lockable compartment for knick-knacks. Braking duties are manage by Brembos.
Riding Off-road:
Till now, most of the ATVs I’ve tested had rider operated gearing and since the gearing is automatic in the Sand-X, the engine has to be cranked up to 4,000rpm before it engages the belt-driven transmission enabling it to take off. It’s got an electric starter motor and recoil handle (manual start option) mode to fire the engine.
The accelerator of the twin cylinder Rotax engine is thumb operated (although riders like me would prefer a bike-styled throttle) and not to difficult to control. Acceleration of this 210kg (dry weight) machine is blistering with a claimed 0-100kph sprint in sub three seconds. That’s faster than a Ferrari Enzo and perhaps close to an Ariel Atom in terms of performance. This sand buster is exceptionally well composed on whatever terrain is thrown at it and I reckonit is the most awesome piece of machinery I’ve had the pleasure of riding in recent times despite being an automatic, the seamless torque just blows me away.
The outstanding handling and performance calls for it to be considered directly in the power-to-weight ratio quotient where it fares quite well. It’s clear after a couple of dunes that it has been built to be quick and I’m petty sure that it will be very difficult to find anyone who would not say this is quick enough. Top speed is an astonishing 185kph. I’ve tested several ATV and sports quads, some like the KTM XC or Yamaha Raptor are undeniably quick, but this one beats them all in one straight shot, even though it hasn’t ATV-like ground clearance. Unlike SUVs, ATVs or quads which can get suck in sand, it’s nearly impossible to get stuck with the Sand-X, thanks to its track mechanism which insulates the vehicle of any such possibility.
A typical drawback with quads is that fast cornering can be expensive in the hands of a novice rider because of its short wheelbase and higher riding position. But, the equation with the Sand-X is quite different as one could say it takes some of its inspiration from high-performance sports cars. First it’s got low centre of gravity, a wide front track and 3,051mm of track contact at the rear, thanks to the 381mm wide rubber-Kevlar track with stubs. All these combine to give it SUV stability with the manoeuvrability of a motocross bike. At slow speeds the Sand-X feels a bit front heavy but as it gathers speed the steering becomes lighter and easy to steer. Remarkably, the Sand-X is extremely stable on sand and I was really surprised how it cut through the deepest of drifts effortlessly. I’m quite pleased with the results.
On road
Like a quad, the Sand-X can also be driven on asphalt up to speeds of 160kph. The suspension is pretty good in absorbing road imperfections and the ride is surprisingly cushy. However, steering appears to be stiffer than in sand.
Verdict
The Sand-X has an amazing driving range of 350km on a single tank of fuel. However, prolonged on-road usage will wear out the belt at 2,500kms and a replacement would cost around Dh1,200. Besides that, most of the servicing is pretty standard.
I’m pretty sure that anyone who has an ATV, quad or some similar other off-road vehicle in the past would have a blast with the Sand-X.
SWISS ONBOARD MAGAZINE July / August Edition 2008
史上最快“三轮车”：Sand-X沙漠越野
这是瑞士Platune研发的SAND-X T-ATV沙漠越野，采用“两个方向轮＋履带式驱动轮”的布局，拥有令人头晕目眩的加速能力：只需要2.8秒，它就能从0加速到100千米/小时！——如果这个数字尚不能直观地引发你的惊讶，那么你可以用布加迪威龙来做对比，后者完成同样的加速得2.9秒……至少在加速这一项，价值2500万人民币的超级跑车败给了“三轮车”~ ^ ^ 而且，更恐怖的是，在这种夸张速度的情况下，Sand-X还能保持加满油一次跑上350公里的续航能力……OMG，这东西大概是为美军打伊朗准备的吧……
AUTOBILD Allrad / Sportscar; October, 2008 by Rolf Klein
AUTOBILD Sportscar: November 2008, Rolf Klein
Sand-X 800 – Von 0 auf 100 km/h in 2,8 Sekunden – auf Sand!
X-hilarating dune conquerer
THERE'S a new kid on the block when it comes to performance on sand yes, we have a few models of 4x4 vehicles which will take you up some dunes; and we have a good selection of ATVs, known as quads, which can conquer most dunes, but up until now there were always some climbs a bit too steep, or a bit too risky to negotiate.
Today, in its second generation, the sands are owned by the SAND-X T-ATV (Tracked - All - Terrain - Vehicle). Imagine this: parked at the bottom of the steepest, softest slipface in the Salamat area of Al Ain, looking up this incredible sheer sand dune of mountain proportions, you give the SAND-X T-ATV some gas and before you know it, you have reached the peak and tower above all things visible you feel like a falcon so high up there over the dune ranges.
The SAND-X T-ATV is capable of reaching 100 kph in 2.8 seconds.
Ah, the danger, I hear you thinking. Don't we have enough injuries due to insane idiots tumbling down dunes on their quad bikes to warrant yet another instrument of death? I'm afraid, in this case, you are mistaken. As strange as this will sound, the SAND-X T-ATV not only out-performs quads (and I mean making the most powerful quad appear like a tortoise) it is also safer by miles.
Let me explain. The challenge of riding the dunes is one of negotiating the inclines. A regular 4x4 vehicle has a side roll-over angle of around 30 on a slipface, if parallel to the dune crest, you will roll over. A quad bike is a bit better, but still, because it requires adequate ground clearance, it sits high on its suspension, and the centre of gravity dictates that a roll is quite possible. All it takes is a misjudgment of speed, a badly-placed bush, a patch of softer-than-normal sand then you are head-over-heels with a big heavy chunk of angular metal for company. The SAND-X T-ATV is totally different in design. It does not require ground clearance; in fact, the rear track hugs the ground. The entire weight of the SAND-X T-ATV is down low and the two front wheels are far apart. There is no way, even intentionally, that you could roll it down a hill.
I had the chance to do that Al Salamat climb I mentioned in the opening, and as I became more familiar with the capabilities of the SAND-X T-ATV, I began to try trickier side slopes, steep tight bowls, and sharp crests it is unbelievably stable. Towards the end of my ride I was calmly climbing over impassable terrain, actually aiming for the nastiest spots I could find, where, by experience, I would have definitely rolled with any other vehicle. Now, onto the power side of things. Did you know that an acceleration of 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds is faster than a Ferrari Enzo? Can you imagine how that feels when going up a dune? I doubt you can I was in shock for a few minutes, just resting up there, basking in the view and thinking: did that really just happen?
Adrenalin junkies, take a deep breath and close your mouths; because what I'm about to describe will get you salivating. You sit squarely on the long and wide seat of the SAND-X. It's very comfortable, actually, and you could ride long-distance, no worries. You fire up the 600cc Rotax two-stroke fuel-injected 115 HP two-cylinder engine with its electric start. The centrifugal clutch means there's no gear levers to mess with, and so you accelerate with the thumb-lever. The sensation you get from that machine is incredible and defies all of what you've previously experienced on the sand. There is no slippage of the wheels the full amount of torque transfers directly to the seat of your pants. It is simply a huge rush of adrenalin, a shot that hits your brain and bounces off the inside of your skull, ricocheting around as new hits just keep on coming. It is undoubtedly a high, a machine-induced high that will keep you gunning for those precipitous climbs over and over again, until basically the muscles in your arms give way, and you reluctantly tear yourself away.
Urs Eiselin is the man behind the SAND-X T-ATV a professional competitive world cup snow boarder, he has now set up shop to make this amazing machine available to enthusiasts in the Gulf. Liquid-cooled, marketed by one of the main distributors of jet-skis (meaning they can offer solid after-sales support), and just plain one of the most fun sand machines ever invented and safe, too the SAND-X will soon revolutionise dune riding the way we know it!
THE SAND-X T-ATV
SAND-X T-ATV, the world’s fastest quad bike is facing a stormy reception in the UAE as the high-speed sand vehicle prepares to launch here. The quad, which is being touted as the fastest and safest sand vehicle around, has a maximum speed of 120 miles per hour (180kph) and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds - that’s quicker than a Ferrari Enzo.
Sand-X is the new high performance sand-vehicle to hit Middle East markets very soon. SAND-X T-ATV is touted as the fastest and safest sand vehicle on the planet. The vehicle is set to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than three seconds, and has a top speed of over 120mph. The machine is fitted with a special cooling system to suit Middle East conditions. Manufactures claim that due to very low point of gravity, a roll-over like it happens very often in quads, is highly impossible.
by Nelson Ireson
Sometimes an idea comes along that's so awesome, yet so obvious, you just smack yourself on the forehead and ask, "Why didn't I think of that?" This is one of those times. Get ready for the SAND-X T-ATV .
The Sand-X ATV, built by SAND-X Motors LLC UAE, of the same name is the motorized equivalent of a camel, if said camel's hump hid a rocket pack.
The 0-60mph dash is achieved in just 2.8 seconds. It's truly all-terrain including sand, snow, pavement and mud. And it can carry people, guns, and cargo over 215mi (350km) through the world's harshest environments on a single tank of fuel. The track is made of an ultra-durable Kevlar composite.
Military and government applications are envisioned for the SAND-X T-ATV in addition to the obvious recreational use. Pricing isn't yet disclosed, but the vehicle is already available in the United Arab Emirates through Exotic Cars Dubai, which ought to give an idea as to the target market.
The next step for Sand-X is a Middle East tour through 2009, hitting the dunes and touring the cities to drum up interest in its brilliantly oddball creation.
July 29, 2009 11:17 AM PDT
An extreme snowmobile, hold the snow
The SAND-X mobile is a T-ATV (or Tracked All Terrain Vehicle) which outperforms quad-ATVs in sandy environments thanks to the extra traction provided by the wide rear track.
SAND-X T-ATV: da 0 a 100 Km/h in 2.8 secondi
Questo mezzo cingolato velocissimo può trasportare pesanti carichi e sale e scende dalle dune muovendosi con grande precisione e sicurezza. A quanto pare è pure facile da pilotare e da manovrare sia a velocità massima sia nelle manovre. Il suo tempo di “reazione” di soli 2.8 secondi lo affianca a auto sportive di alto livello. Nonostante tutta questa potenza e le performance tirate dichiara un consumo esiguo di carburante (non comunicato nei numeri), non resta che attenderlo in commercio
SAND-X T-ATV Mobile Takes on the Desert