Rolligon

A Rolligon is a type of off-road vehicle characterized by its use of large, low-pressure, flexible tires designed for traversing extremely soft or uneven terrain such as sand, snow, muskeg, and tundra. The Rolligon concept, originally developed by William H. Albee in the 1950s, utilizes tire deformation to conform to the ground surface, distributing the vehicle's weight over a large area and minimizing ground pressure. This low ground pressure allows Rolligon-equipped vehicles to operate in environments where conventional wheeled or tracked vehicles would sink or become immobilized.

Rolligon tires are typically constructed from reinforced rubber or similar flexible materials and are inflated to very low pressures, often less than 10 psi. This allows the tires to flatten and spread out, increasing the contact area and reducing the pressure exerted on the ground. The large diameter of the tires also helps the vehicle to roll over obstacles more easily.

Rolligon vehicles have been used in a variety of applications, including oil exploration, pipeline construction, agriculture, and resource extraction in remote and challenging environments. While the Rolligon concept offers significant advantages in certain terrains, it also has limitations. The large, flexible tires can be susceptible to damage and may not be suitable for high-speed travel or paved surfaces. Steering can also be challenging, requiring specialized control systems to manage the tire deformation and direction.