Advancetech
- Technology
Invention Awards: Ripsaw Tank Delivers Death at 60MPH
Today's featured Invention Award winner really requires no justification--it's an unmanned, armed tank faster than anything the US Army has. Behold, the Ripsaw. Cue up the Ripsaw’s greatest hits on YouTube, and you can watch the unmanned tank tear across muddy fields at 60 mph, jump 50 feet, and crush birch trees. But right now, as its remote driver inches it back and forth for a photo shoot, it’s like watching Babe Ruth forced to bunt with the bases loaded. The Ripsaw, lurching and belching black puffs of smoke, somehow seems restless.
5.23.2009 at 01:33pm - Comment by AdvancetechRipsaw's looks are the only simularity to WWI tanks. Ripsaw has an astonishing 14inches of suspension travel. WWI had no suspension. WWII had little... Current have between 4"-8" No tracked vehicle has ever acheived 14"... not even close. This coupled with their guide system allows for the high speed, while not throwing a track. Its also an exto skeleton structure making lighter and stronger. When it comes to offroad capability weight is everything. Many people compare Ripsaw suspension to a sherman... This couldn't be farther from the truth.... Ripsaw possesses a swept back dual-acting dogleg... Never seen before. I agree with James, Ripsaw was never intended to go head to head with another tank. But with its speed and a Javlin missile system on top, I wouldn't want to oppose it in any vehicle. I'm a tracked vehicle specialist (CAT) and have followed Ripsaw for a while. Congrats guys
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December 2009: Best of What's New
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
Check out the best of what's new here.
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