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The Daihotai Tractor was an all-terrain commercial tractor and ground transport[1] vehicle designed by Daihotai Engineering for use on extraterrestrial colonies. Also sometimes referred to as a 'buggy', its unusual suspended 8x8 wheel arrangement allows it to traverse hostile, uneven and unprepared ground, such as is commonly found on recently colonized extrasolar planets. The cab is large enough to fit five with room to spare.[2] The vehicle is also equipped with a tow cable and spotlights.

A tractor of this kind was notably used by Russ and Anne Jorden to locate the derelict ship near the Hadley's Hope colony on LV-426.

Overview[]

The Daihotai series of tractors were all based around a similar 8x8 wheeled layout, with a 6.59 meter wheelbase and a track of 5.86 meters, a configuration designed to give stability over the roughest terrain. The wheels are arranged into four two-wheel bogies, each of which is connected to the chassis by two swinging-arm Anderson suspension units.[3] These units are cantilevered at the chassis bearings and sprung internally on torsion bars. Dampening is handled by telescopic shock absorbers, while hydropneumatic rams control the whole suspension assembly. A central computer processor monitors the suspension assembly as it travels on rough ground and instructs the rams to alter the configuration of the Anderson units to provide the best stability and traction over uneven terrain.[3] This system can also adjust the ground clearance of the vehicle to account for the prevailing terrain, allowing for clearances between 1.48 and 0.90 meters, and lowers completely to allow easy access to the vehicle's cabin.[4]

The Daihotai is designed with modular modifications in mind, and can accept a wide array of external attachments, including (but not limited to) mechanical diggers, cutters, cranes, bore drills, core samplers, spring stampers, welders, waldoes and bulldozer blades.[2] The ruggedness and versatility of the Daihotai chassis allows almost any heavy duty function to be carried out, and its ubiquitousness has made the type a popular purchase for corporate fleet buyers everywhere.

Propulsion[]

Powerplants vary from model to model on the Daihotai series. however, the most common types fitted are the J-160 and J-180 series gas turbines, generating 140-150 kW.[2] Power is transmitted from the plant to the wheels via a drive train that runs directly through the struts of the Anderson units to the bogies. Each wheel has its own individual independent transmission system which is computer controlled to provide optimum traction; the antilock braking system is also handled by the central processor. Road speeds for the Daihotai are typically around 110 km/h, and the off-road capabilities of the tractors are equally prodigious, thanks in part to its ability to tackle vertical obstacles up to 1.10 meters and gradients of over 70%.[2]

Cabin[]

On most models of tractor, a fully-enclosed cabin comes as standard. All cabins are self-contained biosystems with life support capability, sealed against poisonous atmospheres, biohazards and low-level ionising radiation. Cabins are configured around a central living area, incorporating a galley and berths for up to five people. These living spaces are basic, although economical use of space does allow plenty of stowage for equipment and supplies. Each central cabin is reinforced by a steel roll-cage and can be sealed fore and aft by a sliding bulkhead door.[2]

Forward of the central cabin is the driver's cab, which can also double as an airlock while travelling in hazardous environments. At the rear of the tractor is a workstation cab, which also incorporates duplicates of the driving controls in the forward cab, allowing the tractor to drive as effectively backwards as it does forwards. These controls will also operate all external tools and attachments mounted on the tractor.[2]

Behind the Scenes[]

The model tractor used in Aliens was a 1/5th scale, radio-controlled miniature.[5] The vehicle was originally sketched by director James Cameron while on a flight from Los Angeles to London, with the design subsequently embellished by conceptual artist Ron Cobb.[5]

Trivia[]

  • The Daihotai Tractor model used in Aliens: Colonial Marines has many details which are actually in 2D (instead of in 3D like the prop used in Aliens).
  • In the novelization of the film Aliens, the Daihotai Tractors used by the colonists are described as having six wheels instead of eight as in the film.
  • Additionally, in the comic Aliens: Outbreak, and the novel Alien: River of Pain, Daihotai Tractors are referred to as "crawlers", and are described as running on six wheels rather than eight.
  • In Alien: The Blueprints, Daihotai is spelled Diahotai.

Appearances[]

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References[]

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