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Super-Cool Amphibious Russian Vehicle Looks Like It Was Drawn By a Five-Year-Old

The gigantic Sherp looks ridiculous, and is capable as hell

By Rain Noe - October 16, 2019

in Cars

THIS LOOKS LIKE SO MUCH FUN.

On a recent trip to an off-road park in Michigan, 95octane writer Paul Strauss spotted this crazy vehicle:

Image credit: 95octane

I love this thing because it looks like something a five-year-old drew. It looks like something a Transportation Design student gets an "F" for handing in. It looks like something created by a designer trying to figure out a new CAD package and failing.

Yet it's real, and it's called a Sherp. As Strauss explains:

For those unfamiliar with the Sherp, it's a Russian-made ATV that rides on ridiculously oversized low-pressure tires. Combined with an almost non-existent wheelbase, it can roll through all kinds of terrain, has a very tight turning radius, can climb grades up to 35º, and can even drive through water.

Look how much fun this thing looks like to drive, and check out the moment where it ventures fearlessly onto ice that clearly can't hold its weight:

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Did you notice that the wheels can apparently drive and brake independently? I figured the thing had to be controlled via left- and right-hand joysticks, like an old tank videogame, but this photo I found of the interior does not bear that out:

Any ideas on how the driving interface for this thing works?

o

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Tim Rowledge

5 years ago

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So that’s the Tesla pickup in testing. Nice.

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Bradley Johnson

5 years ago

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The driving interface looks like a combination of an automobile, and a Sherman tank.

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E. Agle

5 years ago

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Am I the only one who notices the front window is open in freezing conditions. ... Why?
Yes driving on water is cool, but not with worn old tires. It looks like 1960 mixed with 80's ... except for the USB plug. I'd like to see a roast on this design.

For the workings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KMtnDkQ-Zo see 3:50

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- Shawn K
  
  E. Agle
  
  5 years ago
  
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  This is one of the greatest purpose-built vehicles of all time.
  
  Your comment deserves a roast, not the Sherp.
  
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  - E. Agle
    
    Shawn K
    
    5 years ago
    
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    #I'll be nice.
    Look, It’s a cool concept, it has a purpose and seems fun to drive. Sherp themselves state it's a boat with tires. See previous video)
    … A boat like a scoop river boat with ruber scoops.
    So I meant to say that after X km they will have worn down quite a bit and won't scoop so good.
    That said, scoops in mud are probably better than an outboard motor. Although I’d add one.
    
    :-) I tried to find a cooler alternative, but they were already covert on Core77 :-)
    
    So #I'll be nice with more feedback Sherp links
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FZrqPanMRA I had fun watching this video. And not because of the poor cameraman. But look how he enters at 1:49 and them (slowly) pulling a platform over water.
    
    More links:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bozpAxhI1gw 3:05 – 6:10 lockwasher ánd locktide
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kI9AOFi9DY stuck 10:10
    
    USA replica THOR (I and II). Is it slightly more modern?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlZkFlXsVFY (Turn down the volume a bit)
    
    As always thanks to Core77 to provide me with food for thought!
    
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- Nathan D.
  
  E. Agle
  
  5 years ago
  
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  I don't know what's funnier, the fact that you think those tires are old and worn or the fact that you think tire tread is capable of grabbing on to water.
  
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