Updated August 05, 2000
Web Posted July 06, 1998
Participants in this VDC were required to design one tricycle with or without a car trailer that was equal to or less than $40,000 that could perform forest patrol and firefighting duties. Design requirements are located in CWIN 01.02.
CWIN is asking for its subscribers to vote for the best vehicle. Please use the following point scale to evaluate each vehicle. You should consider each vehicle and its car trailer (if there is one) separately and in combination. Partial credit for each area may be given.
Mail your ballots and submissions for other VDCs to either of these elmay addresses.
CWIN Vehicle Design Competitions
owemp@hotmail.com
Special Abilities = 25
5 for Off-Road Travel
10 for Firefighting
10 for Forest Service
Defensive Capability = 15
3 for Frame Armor
3 for Accessory Armor
3 for Tires
3 for Weapons
3 for Accessories
Offensive Capability = 20
5 for Weapons and Damage Potential
5 for Special Abilities (Incendiary, Indirect-Fire,
Tire Sniper, Etc.)
5 for Firing Arcs Covered
5 for Accessories
Driving Pleasure = 15
5 for Acceleration, Top Speed and HC
5 for Accessories, Personal Equipment
5 for Vehicle Range
Cost = 5
Lowest Price (Bonus for every $1,000 below required
Division)
Analysis/Background = 20
20 for Verbal Description
Total Score = 100
COLORADO STATE PARK RANGER SERVICE FIREWALKER
COLORADO STATE PARK RANGER SERVICE FRFSV
The craziest, meanest, and most daring rangers in the forests and parks today have got to be the firewalkers. These firewalkers patrol, run rescue operations, and of course fight fires. The method used by these rangers could be considered suicidal at best. The firewalkers work in close with the air support during a fire emergency, guaranteeing accurate placement for foam and fire retarding munitions dropped or launched from 'copters and planes. A sample firewalker from Colorado State Park Ranger Service is detailed below.
Firewalker Trike -- Reversed x-hvy trike with CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, 100 ci ICE (with VP turbocharger, overdrive and 4-gallon dueling fuel tank) back, OR suspension, 3 plasticore tires, cyclist in ejection seat, MD (with 3 beacon and 7 foam mines) front, JD (with sand ammo) front, MML (with incendiary rockets) right, MG (with HD ammo) left, 3 links (MG, JD and MD; 6 FmDs; JD and MD), brushcutter, IFE, HDABS, winch front, no-paint windshields, 3 HDSAs, HRTC. Metal/FP plastic armor: (30 points/60 points), 10-pts. FP plastic CA protecting ICE and fuel tank together, 10-pts. FP plastic CA around cyclist, 2-pts. metal cycle WG back. Acceleration 10 (5 with overdrive), Top speed 65 (85 with overdrive), Cruise speed 37.5, 50 MPG, Cruising range 200 miles, DM 1, HC 3 (3 off-road); 4,199.50 lbs., $39,989.
Firewalker Personal Equipment -- DStG with folding stock, sling with 20 DStG shots, heavy pistol, 2 standard extra heavy pistol clips, concussion grenade, 2 foam grenades, body armor, FP suit, ABV, binoculars, 2 pairs of duelist shades, walkie talkie.
Starting with the chassis, a CA reversed x-heavy trike was chosen for it's innate OR advantages, maneuverability, and comparatively light weight. The extra-heavy size ensures plenty of room for the tools of the firewalkers' trade . . . most designed to keep him alive so he can do his job. Strap all this onto an off road suspension package, and you have a serious patrol vehicle. The powertrain consists of a turbocharged (variable pitched) 100 c.i. ICE engine with a four-gallon dueltank, both encased in FP component armor. Sure, electric would be more environmentally friendly, and safer (?) in a fire, but with a trike this big, the electrics just won't cut the mustard. On the other end of the powertrain is an overdrive system to give some velocity to these boys and girls when they are racing along the fire roads trying to cut off an advancing firewall, along with HDABS and HDSAs to keep rangers flying between the trees instead of into them. A brushcutter enables the trike to make roads when necessary. In most other instances, top speed is not as essential as acceleration and torque. Distributing this torque to ground are three plasticore tires. Why plasticore? In the woods 100 mi. from base is no place to need a new tire. Besides, the loss of a single tire immobilizes trikes, a very deadly thing in the life of a park ranger. Mounted in front is a winch to complement the off road package, as well as enable this vehicle to go places otherwise impossible. Even though the winch capacity is exceeded by nearly 200 lbs., this would only be a problem if the vehicle were trying to pull itself straight up. Rangers use the engine in conjunction with the winch to assist movement over extremely rough terrain. The winch also assists with rescue operations and can be used to help clear roads and create firebreaks.
As a firefighting vehicle, the vehicle uses active and passive technology to provide safety and effective extinguishing potential. From a safety standpoint, the metal armor and plasticore tires ensure that this is one tough vehicle to set on fire. FP component armor for the dueltank and ICE, as well as the cyclist provides interior protection in the event the internal improved fire extinguisher fails. When the unthinkable happens and the vehicle is either surrounded by fire, or is immobilized and about to be immolated, the ranger can fire the ejection seat, then the vehicle dischargers to cool the surrounding area, and then pray there are no really large overhanging branches nearby when the seat fires and the ranger rockets into the air . . . hopefully to glide to safety . . . no lack of thermals around a forest fire!
Some rangers have been known to escape by driving through the surrounding walls of flame to safety, firing the foam mines as they go . . . Often small brushfires or open plain fires can be extinguished with the onboard measures. When larger fires are present, then the cavalry is called in . . . air cav that is. The firewalkers use their vehicles to lay beacon and foam mines along the front of advancing fires, or along firebreaks and roads to bolster their effectiveness in slowing and stopping the advance. The beacon mines give air units something to target from the air, allowing for near pinpoint accuracy when delivering their payloads despite foliage or smoke cover. The dirt or sand dropped by the JD allows for some reasonable traction for the vehicle after it runs over the foam mines, as well as some insulation for the beacons when they are laid next to or into fire. When all else fails, the metal hull reflects radar nicely, and rangers have been known to have radar units target their vehicle directly, counting on luck and the Holy Mother of Acceleration to get them out of a foam cluster bomb's effective radius before they or their engines suffocate (I said these guys were nuts!).
As a patrol vehicle, the Firewalker trike has some strengths and an equal number of weaknesses. While the composite metal and FP armor is excellent for resisting fires, it is thin by anyone's standards for countering projectiles of any sort. The thin layer of metal may protect against machine guns and other light weapons, but won't last long versus anything serious. Since this vehicle is considered a deep forest patrol, the chances of encountering really big guns is rare but possible, and the only chance is to run and call for backup . . . hoping to outmaneuver pursuit using their knowledge of the surrounding terrain. Likewise, the armament is sufficient for light encounters, but decidedly lacking in a serious slugfest. A MG mounted left covers a large arc of fire and when linked to the minedropper, can make pursuit a sticky idea. The MML with incendiary rockets mounted right is normally used to start controlled burns, but may be used in a pinch for defense. Both use a Hi-resolution computer to assist targeting while dodging trees, or laying a pinpoint fire pattern for controlled burns. Standard equipment for rangers includes a walkie-talkie for constant contact; binoculars to spot smoke or dust trails, and a fireproof suit and gas mask for survivability. Be careful not to draw down on a ranger when he walks into camp, as they are quite armed. An Ithaca 12-gauge riot gun and a good old Colt .45 are their customary sidearms, making them just as ornery outside their vehicles as they are inside.
Michael Drennon
KidEgo999@aol.com
Another crazy bunch of government employees pilot and man the F.R.F.S.V., or Fast Response Fire Support Vehicle. Working in teams of two, these rangers follow close on the heels of the Firewalkers on their way to the front of the "firefight" (bad pun, I know, I just couldn't help myself!). One ranger pilots the off-road trike. Packed inside a medium trike frame is the pilot and a tricked out 150 c.i. ICE with tubular heads, blueprinting, VP turbo, and a five-gallon dueltank; both encased in their own FP component armors. Riding shotgun is a RL with an extra magazine and a magazine switch to allow a choice between standard explosive and firekill foam rockets. Plasticore tires and off-road suspension keep these guys bouncing along the trail despite the harshest of punishments. The extra seat padding to handle the head-snapping acceleration is optional, but an ejection seat comes standard with this model, so trapped rangers may eject to safety if their vehicle is disabled. The other lucky Ranger gets to ride in back.
"In back" refers to the surplus AA trailer towed by the trike! The "tailgunner" rides along in a six-space AA mount on the back of a 10' flatbed trailer riding on plasticore tires. The AA mount sports a 10-point gunshield, three linked grenade launchers loaded with foam grenades, and an ejection seat as well. Three bulk ammo boxes take up the extra spaces on the trailer. Two of them hold extra grenades, while the third holds extra rockets. When the rig is called into action, the pilot drops the AA gunner at a safe distance from the fire and then races in to support the Firewalkers while the AA gunner finds his range. The Trike can now act as a forward observer to the AA gunner, further improving his accuracy. When his firekill rockets are out, the trike returns to the trailer for reloading and repositioning if necessary. Dedicated trikes running supply missions from base, or airdrops from the air cav may resupply the trailer itself. If the unthinkable happens and the trailer is endangered, the gunner has an ejection seat as well. If a large-scale fire is expected, the explosive ammo is left at the base, and foam munitions are exclusively carried.
As a patrol vehicle, this rig packs a bigger punch than the Firewalkers, as well as having a somewhat thicker hide.When an outridding patrol radios in for backup, the trikes alone are what respond. With their blistering acceleration they can reach the fellow Rangers in a flash, and their computer aided RLs pack nearly twice the punch of the Firewalker's vehicles. AP rockets may be used to reduce the chance of accidental fires. When flushing outlaw strongholds, this rig can be terrifying to behold, depending on the types of grenades used. Parked a distance away while the SWAT teams close in, there are usually no escape from these puppies (think of three rigs, each loading concussion and/or antipersonnel flechette grenades opening up on a outlaw cyclist compound!. The acceleration of the rig ensures any cyclists trying to escape don't get too far, and if they somehow elude the nastiness from the skies, the trikes can drop the trailers and pursue, pursue, pursue. The gunners generally don't like being dumped at 40 mph+, but dirt is softer than concrete!
F.R.F.S.V. Trike -- Medium trike, x-hvy chassis, BP 150ci ICE (with THs, VP turbocharger and 5-gallon dueling fuel tank) back, OR suspension, 3 plasticore tires, cyclist in ejection seat, RL (with standard rockets, extra foam rocket magazine and magazine switch) on non-specific facing, QR standard hitch, HRSWC (cyclist and RL), personal equipment (see below). FP plastic armor: (105 points), 10-pts. FP plastic CA protecting ICE and fuel tank together, 10-pts. FP plastic CA around cyclist. Acceleration 20, Top speed 122.5, Cruise speed 72.5, MPG 45, Cruising range 225 miles, DM 2/3, HC 2 (2 off-road); 2,520 lbs., $23,415.
F.R.F.S.V. Trike Personal Equipment – DStG (with folding stock, sling and extra rounds), body armor, FP suit, gas mask, ABV, duelist shades.
F.R.F.S.V. Trailer – 10' flatbed car trailer, 2 plasticore tires, gunner (in ejection seat) and 3 linked GLs (each with foam grenades) in 6-space AA mount, BAB (20 foam GL), BAB (10 foam GL and 10 explosive GL), BAB (20 foam RL), HRSWC (gunner and 3 GLs). FP plastic armor: U14 (14 points), 10-pts. FP plastic AA mount armor. DM 2/3; 3,502.90 lbs., $16,583.
F.R.F.S.V. Trailer Personal Equipment – DStG (with folding stock and sling with 20 rounds), heavy pistol (with extra standard clip), body armor, FP suit, gas mask, ABV, binoculars, concussion grenade, walkie-talkie.
F.R.F.S.V. Trike, Trailer and both PE Sets – Acceleration 10, Top speed 72.5, Cruise speed 42.5, HC 2 (2 off-road). 6,023.10 lbs., $39,998.
Michael Drennon
KidEgo999@aol.com
St. Bernard -- X-hvy. trike, x-hvy. chassis, sport cycle PP (with PlatCats and SuperCons), OR suspension, 3 OR solid tires, cyclist, 2 smart linked HMGs (1R, 1L), HDFT (with standard fuel, extra foam magazine and magazine switch) back, HD brakes, 3 HDSAs, HRTC, winch, IRSS, thermograph, military radio, 2-space Car-Top Carrier, IFE, RCMP Rescue Kit, GPS, personal gear (25 lbs.). FP plastic armor: F15, R9, L9, B15, T5, U7 (61 points). FP plastic CTC armor: F3, R2, L2, B2, T1 (10 points). Acceleration 5, Top speed 80, Cruise speed 47.5, DM 1, HC 2 (3 off-road); 4,140 lbs., $39,802.
Howdy. My name's Tim McCovey. I've been a proud member of the US Forest Service for over twenty years, spending the vast majority of those years as a ranger in Glacier National Forest. I could blather on about how much I love my job for pages and pages . . . but I understand you're more interested in hearing about the trike I drive. Fair enough, I suppose.
I've used a wide variety of vehicles in my job, but the most sophisticated one is the one I've been driving for the past 18 months -- the Trinity Motors St. Bernard.
First, a bit of backstory. Two years ago, the USFS announced it needed a new kick-ass working vehicle for rangers like me to drive around. They specified it had to be a three-wheeler checking in at $40,000 list-price or less, capable of providing firefighting and other forestry services while serving as a capable combat vehicle. Needless to say, it had to be able to go where the roads don't and be reasonably self-sufficient. To find the trike of its dreams, the USFS announced it would hold a contest amongst North American automakers to see who could come up with the keenest machine.
Trinity is one of the continent's oldest trike makers, so we expected them to make a strong entry. We weren't disappointed; their "Bernie" established itself as one of the stronger contenders in a damn hurry.
The contest is entering its final stages. The handful of designs selected as finalists are finishing up their field testing. I've been one of the people field testing the Bernie, and while I don't know how good the other contenders are, I'll definitely be giving this one a strong recommendation. It's done everything it was advertised to do.
So, just what does it do? I'll use Trinity's overview of the trike to help give me some idea of what to say; for something written by PR suits, it's surprisingly accurate. And, of course, you've got me to help weed out the . . . exaggerated bits. Here we go . . .
In response to the US Forest Service's stated need for a working vehicle, Trinity Motors is proud to introduce the "St. Bernard" General-Purpose Off-Road Utility Vehicle. We have completed a working prototype vehicle for evaluation purposes; should this design prove satisfactory to the USFS, full-scale production may begin immediately.
Heh heh. Thoughtful of them, eh?
The primary firefighting capacity on the St. Bernard is provided by a Dragon Mk. VI Heavy-Duty Flamethrower equipped with a spare magazine. The primary magazine is loaded with foam ammunition; the weapon may deposit a 15' x 30' blanket of fire-suppressant foam up to 200' away from the rear of the vehicle with remarkable accuracy.
The "spooge cannon," as we've come to call it, doesn't have much of an arc of fire -- but then again, really doesn't need it. Heck, the fire is usually going to stay in one place while you maneuver to nail it. And they're not kidding about the accuracy on this thing -- it's sweet. Ever put out a poorly-tended campfire from 200 feet away? One of life's finer pleasures.
If you're dealing with a really big fire, though, this thing probably won't be up to the task -- but then again, you can say that about any fire-fighting equipment small enough to be mounted on a trike. Just the same, I would have appreciated it if they would have found a way to stuff a bit more ammo into this thing.
The second magazine is loaded with more conventional napalm ammunition, allowing the driver to help create a fire wall to contain more severe conflagrations.
Looks good on paper, but truth is, we've taken to loading both mags with foam and only breaking out the napalm for special occasions. Setting up a fire wall isn't something you do on the spur of the moment; and if there's a fire out there big enough to need one, believe me, you'll know before setting out.
In addition, the napalm may be used to defend against aggressors pursuing the vehicle.
In a word, no. The only time I would even consider defending myself with the flamethrower is if the forest around me were already burning (and a firefight in the middle of a forest fire is the sort of nightmare scenario I don't even want to think about). If you're not willing to give your life to protect the forest, you have no business being a ranger. Period.
Of course, a windshield full of foam can really screw-up an attacker's ability to shoot you . . .
A sophisticated magazine-switching system allows the driver to choose between the two ordinances with the press of a button to deal with specific situations.
Like I said, we don't have much call to use this feature, but it's still a nice option to have.
The St. Bernard is also equipped with Trinity's top-of-the-line fire extinguishing system. Not only will this system swiftly deal with any fires on board the vehicle, it can also extinguish smaller ones immediately under the trike. Whether it's an errant campfire or a burning cigarette, the on-board fire extinguisher is the ideal tool for keeping a small fire from becoming a big problem.
Between this system and the fireproof armor (which I'll get to in a bit), the Bernie is damn near immune to fire -- which I appreciate, believe me. The fire extinguisher works pretty much as advertised; you're not going to put out a big blaze with it, but for stomping out smaller fires it works nicely.
To deal with threats posed by other vehicles, such as poachers or bandits seeking refuge in the forest, the St. Bernard is equipped with two Alamo 20mm machine guns. Trinity has taken advantage of the three-wheeled body in placing these weapons, allowing them to fire separately against targets on either side of the vehicle or combine fire against threats in the front. These weapons each carry enough ammunition for 20 seconds of sustained fire and inflict significant damage to vehicular or pedestrian targets, while minimizing collateral damage to the environment.
Not the deadliest weapons I've ever fired, but reasonably potent -- especially from the front. And they're quite accurate -- see the targeting equipment below. For a combat vehicle, the stopping power is a bit iffy . . . but this thing really isn't meant for heavy combat in the first place. Besides, they hit plenty hard for ripping off tires; stranding a bandit in the deep forest is just as good as a kill. The blind spot to the rear is a bit problematic; Trinity thinks the 'thrower has that angle covered, but like the man said, "it ain't necessarily so."
And "minimizing collateral damage to the environment"? Ever seen what happens to a tree when it gets hit by a stray burst from a pair of 20's? Not exactly "minimal" damage. But hey, I guess compared to a lot of the stuff out there (like rockets or recolless shells) it's really not that bad.
The flamethrower (or "foamthrower", depending on how it's used) and machine guns are guided by a TruTrak Model H targeting computer, one of the finest pieces of targeting electronics on the market today. This gives all the on-board weapons pinpoint accuracy, significantly increasing their effectiveness.
Damn straight. "Pinpoint" may be a bit of a stretch, but the first-rate targeting gear on this pup goes a long way towards increasing it's effectiveness -- in all situations. Need to blow the tire off that pick-up shooting at you? No problem. Need to lay down a precise wall of napalm? No problem. Gotta love it.
Trinity hasn't skimped on the electronics anywhere on the St. Bernard. To make this a vehicle capable of working 'round the clock, we've included the Mitchell Infrared Sighting System. This system gives the driver near-perfect visibility even on the blackest, cloudiest nights. Trinity has enhanced this system with Mitchell's military-grade thermographic display, allowing the driver to spot animals, people, concealed vehicles, or small fires with remarkable ease -- day or night.
Oh, yeah. Now this is the cat's meow. The nightfighting ability is handy, certainly, but this chica makes search and rescue a snap. Need to find a hiker with a broken ankle hidden somewhere in about a thousand square miles of forest? Get within a few hundred yards or so, and his body heat will set this thing off like a video game.
And how do you deal with a team of poachers who are better armed and armored than you are? With this baby, you deal with them form as discrete a distance as you want. This thing isn't the least bit impressed by clever camouflage. And have you ever seen the heat signature most vehicles leave? Play it right, and you can keep the bastards under surveillance for quite a while . . . until the re-enforcements you called for show up, and you blast your way in all guns blazing. Yeah. It's not infallible, but the ability to detect potential foes long before they can detect you increases your survivability much more than, say, a few hundred pounds more of extra armor. (Which I wouldn't mind having anyway . . . but more about that later.)
(Oh, and "spotting small fires?" There's a sophisticated technique for that already, known as "watching for smoke.")
The St. Bernard also comes equipped with a reliable Mitchell High-Precision Global Positioning System. In standard operating mode, the GPS can give the vehicles latitude, longitude, and even altitude to within 100 feet. When more precise measurements are necessary, high-precision mode allows accurate readings to within three feet. This has a wide variety of applications, ranging from basic forestry services to co-ordinating para-military actions against armed intruders.
Okay, I admit, I wasn't sold on the usefulness of this li'l darlin' when I first saw it. I mean, come on, I know the forest like the back of my hand, right? This thing is an insult or something. Well, eighteen months later, you can call me a True Believer. The GPS is no substitute for good knowledge of your surroundings, but it makes one hell of a supplement. There's something really appealing about being able to radio in your precise latitude and longitude when you need some extra help -- and to be able to find those coordinates if you're the one responding to someone else's call. Set up some checkpoints before you leave base camp, and viola -- your patrols suddenly become extremely organized, maximizing the amount of ground the team of vehicles covers (or something like that). And the naturalists love using this thing to pinpoint which trees are growing where. Truthfully, I wonder how we ever got along without this.
To keep the St. Bernard driver in constant contact with base and other rangers, Trinity has equipped the vehicle with a Mitchell KA-28 military-grade radio. Though the sound quality on this item admittedly leaves a bit to be desired, it is a reliable, battle-tested communications system providing minimal drain on the power plant and communications ability out to a range of 50 miles.
Sums it up pretty well. Sound quality sucks, but it's almost always good enough to understand whoever's on the other end. And it handles rough terrain surprisingly well -- though if there's a mountain between you and whoever you're trying to speak to, you're screwed.
Of course, the St. Bernard is designed to be independent, for use in areas where additional help might be difficult to come by. The vehicle comes equipped with a powerful winch capable of pulling the machine out of a difficult situation, clearing sizable debris from back roads, or aiding stuck motorists.
Heh. Nice of them to protect our egos like that. Yes, the real use of this thing is to pull yourself out of a mud puddle that turned out to be deeper than you thought. Hook the cable to a stout tree, hit the motor, and out you come. Hey, it happens to the best of us. Sure, you can use it to pull downed trees off roads, and I have helped a couple of stranded backwoods motorists get their wheels back on solid ground with this, but . . . the real purpose of this is to spare you the indignity of calling for somebody to get you unstuck. For which I appreciate it. Bunches.
You have to be careful when using it, though. It's located above and behind the front wheel, so if you're not careful you can get the cable wrapped up in your suspension. Bad Thing. But as long as you're looking out for it, it's rarely a problem.
The St. Bernard also comes with a versatile emergency equipment pack -- the so-called RCMP Rescue Kit, made famous by the renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This package comes with a tool kit, a fully-stocked first aid kit, an emergency auto battery, a portable fire extinguisher, a flare gun, and other assorted "woodsman's standbys" such as matches, a compass, a canteen, etc. This kit alone makes the St. Bernard capable of providing assistance in a variety of situations.
Handy sucker, this. Remember that hypothetical broken-leg hiker I mentioned? With the Mountie kit, you can administer first aid on-site. And not only does this stuff help you play good Samaritan, but it's also handy for bailing your own butt out of a tight spot. Yeah, the rooftop carrier it's placed in does mess up the top speed a bit and prevents a (needed) turret from being mounted. But I've used this thing enough times to think it's worth it.
Naturally, Trinity wanted to be sure the vehicle could successfully negotiate difficult terrain. The St. Bernard comes with off-road suspension and off-road tires so it's performance compares favorably with most any off-road vehicle on the market. For negotiating extremely difficult terrain, the vehicle comes with heavy-duty shocks. And for those moments when momentum has become a problem, the St. Bernard has heavy-duty brakes.
The handling and speed are pretty unremarkable, though certainly adequate. Top speed is a bit low, but that rarely comes into play. And the shocks do a pretty darn good job of handling really nasty bumps.
"For those moments when momentum has become a problem . . ." Heh. Sounds so much nicer than "When you're barreling down the side of a mountain and need to slow up now . . ."
"No working vehicle in today's world would be complete without a good layer of armor."
Notice they mention this last. This is my biggest complaint with this otherwise excellent vehicle; the armor is damn thin . . .
"The St. Bernard's armor is of comparable thickness to Trinity's Lumberjack, a venerable, respected working three-wheeler."
. . . and armor weight is the big complaint about the Lumberjack, too. Trinity isn't lying, they're just holding themselves to a very low standard here.
"The St. Bernard can stand up to small arms fire as well as any vehicle on the market,"
Urgh. Now there's a low standard if I've ever heard one.
"and can withstand multiple hits from vehicular weaponry."
. . . provided those hits come from light weapons. Or don't hit you in the same place.
"And the armor is fireproof, allowing the vehicle to safely navigate dangerous situations that might cause a lesser vehicle to literally burst into flames."
Okay, this is the one saving grace. The Bernie's exterior isn't going to ignite anytime soon. Though the armor will melt if the fire gets hot enough -- but by that point you're probably suffocating from lack of oxygen, anyway. And also note that the tires are not fireproof -- though if you're going to be getting up close and personal with a blaze, you can always put on fireproof tires before setting out (assuming you have some on hand, natch).
Trinity tries really hard to put a happy face on it, but the truth is that if you get into a fight while driving this thing, you need to finish it now. This is why the electronics suite is so indispensable; you have got to be careful about the fights you pick, and make sure you have enough backup to finish the job.
Yes, if you encounter poachers away from their vehicles, the Bernie can deal with them pretty easily. But truth is, I'd hate to see a vehicle that couldn't.
Up at Glacier, we've got a few toys to handle those extra-sticky situations. We've got a Lorne Dark Angel helicopter gunship (nicknamed "Mr. Happy") that we can call in whenever we feel truly threatened. And Trinity was kind enough to make us a version of the Bernie without the firefighting equipment, more suited for heavy combat. It's got another 20 in a turret and high-density ammo all around, with serious internal component armor; we've nicknamed it "Cujo." It kicks major ass. (None of which makes a bit of difference if your enemies get to you before your allies do, but hey, nobody said this job was easy.)
As a combat vehicle, the Bernie isn't helpless; far from it. But it's much better suited to organizing an attack, as opposed to simply rushing in by itself.
We at Trinity feel that this vehicle will meet or exceed all the expectations of the US Forest Service. We look forward to hearing back from you.
As a peacetime vehicle, the Bernie is a truly outstanding piece of work. As a straight combat machine it leaves something to be desired, but if used intelligently and within its limitations, it's still a helluva machine. I've enjoyed driving it, and hope I'll be able to keep driving it for years to come.
Pete Butler
pmbutler@comic.net
KNB Motor Works presents the 2048 Mackinac for the US National Forest Service procurement contract.
Mackinac Trike -- X-hvy. trike, x-hvy. chassis, 150 ci ICE (with turbocharger and 5-gallon dueling fuel tank), OR suspension, 3 OR SB PR tires, cyclist, 2 linked HRs on small rocket platform, GL (with foam grenades, extra thermite magazine and magazine switch) left, 4 IcDs (2R, 2L; each linked to GL), brushcutter, TC, LD radio, standard hitch, IFE, personal equipment (see below). Cargo/passenger capacity: 2 spaces. FP plastic armor: F30, R30, L30, B20, T10, U15 (135 points), 10-pts. FP plastic CA around ICE, 10-pts. FP plastic CA around cyclist, 10-pts. FP plastic CA around GL. Acceleration 10 (15 with turbocharger), Top speed 90, Cruise speed 52.5, MPG 45 MPG, Cruising range 225 miles, DM 1, HC 2 (3 off-road); 4,192.50 lbs., $24,450.
Mackinac Trike Personal Equipment -- HAVR, IBA, walkie-talkie.
Mackinac Trailer -- 6' Van trailer, light chassis, laser battery, 2 OR SB PR car tires, gunner/medic, 2 linked JDs (each with sand ammo; 1R, 1L), 3 IcDs (1R, 1L, 1B; right and left IcDs linked to JDs), IFE, IRSS, RCMP Rescue Kit, personal equipment (see below). Cargo/passenger capacity: 2 spaces. FP plastic armor: F14, B25, L20, R20, T10, U10 (99 points), 10-pts. FP plastic CA around gunner. DM 2/3; 3,205 lbs., $15,525.
Mackinac Trailer Personal Equipment -- HAVR, IBA, walkie-talkie.
Mackinac Combination - Acceleration 5 (10 with turbocharger), Top speed 60 mph, Cruise speed 37.5, HC 2 (3 off-road), 7,397.5 lbs., $39,975.
The Mackinac Wilderness Emergency Response Vehicle is a versatile system for dealing with a range of rescue and firefighting missions. The off-road trike can be used alone as a fast-response and scout vehicle. It is equipped with foam grenades, ice dischargers, and an improved fire extinguisher for slowing the progress of a forest fire, and its brushcutter can be used to establish small fire breaks in the forest. It has 300 lbs. of cargo capacity that can also accommodate two passengers, either rescued persons or firefighters. The trike can also deal with minor law enforcement situations thanks to its thermite grenades and heavy rockets.
The trailer unit is attached for search and rescue missions of all types. An infrared sighting system allows detection of stranded persons or vehicles even under cover of darkness or smoke. The on-board battery allows for "jumping" stranded gas-powered vehicles, or partially recharging electric vehicles, for short trips back to civilization under their own power. A trained medical technician can perform first aid for up to two victims in the field or in the trailer. The trailer unit also assists in fire abatement with its sand droppers, ice dischargers, and improved fire extinguisher.
This vehicle system is intended to be operated by experienced Forest Service personnel. Each crewman will be issued fire-resistant improved body armor, a field walkie-talkie, and a high-powered rifle as part of their equipment. Internal and external fireproof armor provides additional safety for the crew and passengers.
The Mackinac is not meant for heavy arena-style combat or intense firefighting; its weapons and armor are relatively light, and its tires are vulnerable to fire. Rather, it is a front line of defense against an immediate threat in a remote area. Its reconnaissance role can alert the backup emergency vehicles to locations where they will be needed most.
Martin Poteralski
roadrage_98@yahoo.com