Daihotai 8x8 ATV
With the advent of galactic colonization, mankind has encountered a greater variety of climates and terrenes than anyone on Terra could have imagined. Unfortunately, some of these conditions have proven insurmountable to all existing Terran ATV (all-terrain vehicle) designs. Thus the need for an even more rugged, more capable vehicle was born. To date, Daihotai Corp., a subsidiary of Weyland-Yutani, has been the leader in this market segment.

Chassis/Drivetrain:
Each model in the ATV series is based on a common 8x8 drivetrain with a 7 meter wheelbase and a 6 meter track. This wide base ensures even weight distribution and stability on most types of ground. Four ‘legs’ end in pairs of drive wheels. The vehicle is sprung by two swing-arm Anderson suspension assemblies, cantilevered at chassis bearings and sprung with internal torsion bars. Dampening comes courtesy of telescopic shock absorbers. The whole assembly is reined in by hydro-pneumatic rams. The active suspension is monitored by a dedicated CPU to provide maximum stability and traction in all conditions. The system can also alter the vehicle’s ground clearance over a range of 1.5 to .9 meters.

Powerplants:
The most common power plant installed in the Daihotai series ATVs are the J-160 and J-180 series gas turbines. Both units are capable of generating 160 to 180 kW of power that is transferred to the drive wheels. Each wheel has its own independent transmission system controlled by a central CPU to ensure optimal traction. This unit also handles anti-lock braking duties. On paved surfaces, the ATV is capable of top speeds near 110 km/hr. Off-road the ATV is capable of handling vertical obstacles up to 1.4 meters in height and vertical grades near 70%.

Crew Accomodations:
A fully provisioned, enclosed cabin is standard equipment on most models of ATV. All cabins possess full life support capability, with full NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection. The cabins are arranged around a central living space equipped with a full galley and sleeping accommodations for up to five people. Plenty of storage space is available for stowing equipment and supplies. Each unit is reinforced by a steel rollcage and may be sealed from the rest of the space by sliding bulkhead door.

Controls/Options:
The driver’s cab is located at the very fore of the vehicle. This area can double as an airlock in hazardous environs. A workstation cockpit is at the rear of the vehicle. This area effectively mirrors the driving controls in the main cab, allowing the tractor to be piloted effectively in reverse. This area also contains controls for all the attachments and specialized tools the ATV may carry. Some of the more popular attachments are: diggers, cutters, large drills, soil samplers, stamping presses, welders, and earth-moving blades. However, the overall strength of the design has led to many ‘field’ modifications, and ATVs can be found performing nearly any heavy duty function on a colony somewhere. Indeed, Weyland-Yutani colonies are equipped almost exclusively with this type of utility vehicle.