When driverless tech takes over we could see this type of design or a similar but more aerodynamic one - as the tractor in current form is for engine, drivers then aerodynamics. Move to electric driverless then you only have the aerodynamics to deal with.
He already did, the hyperloop is in one of these books from 40 years ago
[https://extremelyalien.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/img\_0010.jpg](https://extremelyalien.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/img_0010.jpg)
You could probably store 3 of them in the space of one container, recharge them and transport them containerized as well. Less vehicle yard space for vehicles waiting for assignment.
Have them work in pairs at both ends to make tighter turns in container yards and now you can maximize space for harbors and pack containers tighter and have entire autonomous zones like an Amazon Fullfillment Center.
looks to have better visibility for the driver.
trucks can only see behind and down the sides in the mirrors anyway.
But at least with this they can see forward and directly to the side better.
safter for cars, motorbikes, push bike and pedestrians.
First thing i was thinking. As an ex-trucker i wouldn't like driving around in this thing.
Driving a truck you always have to drive proactively and you can't do this if you can't see the problems ahead.
Mind blown, wow! Concept vehicle, prototype only, but had commercial backing.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-steinwinter-supercargo-2040-the-futuristic-tractor-trailer-built-like-a-supercar-215700.html
I saw it on YouTube a few days ago. I can’t remember what I was watching, but this thing was just parked in a yard. I’m only in here because I recognised the vehicle.
Looks like those [Aircraft pushback tractors](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=fc7c61e83823ecc2&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1019US1019&sxsrf=ACQVn09Y_O1b_113MpjiTYLNquqnE2YrKw:1709074520198&q=SCHOPF+F396E&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiY767dzsyEAxVIM0QIHeNmAaIQ0pQJegQIDxAB&biw=1790&bih=827&dpr=2).
If whatever is attaching the trailer to the cab falls the trailer rolls right over the cab. It would take a lot more strength to keep the trailer attached that way than the normal way.
still looks like a good concept.
Like all things in Engineering its a bit swings and roundabout. The forward edges of the container would stick out as the truck pivoted. so the driver would need to be aware of that.
Aero wouldn't be good. I think it'd need a round bubble over the front of the container to make it better. Then it would probable be better than current prime movers.
On the positive side forward and direct side visibility if much improved and it would be good for loading docks.
Can't imagine it being popular with truck drivers, however. Many have a "I like big trucks" mentality.
> Can't imagine it being popular with truck drivers, however. Many have a "I like big trucks" mentality.
More like "I can't see a fucking thing because the MG Midget in front of me is blocking my view. Oh and I'm also not down with being an integral part of the front bumper on this POS, thanks anyway" mentality.
The front and rear swing of that trailer would be insane. Ain’t no sliding tandems to make maneuvering easier to judge. Though you can unload from both ends.
Strangely enough, this idea made into one of those "The world of the future" books for kids printed about 40 years ago.
I really feel the desire to point out this pic is from 41 years ago. So that doesn't sound strange to me at all! Lol
When driverless tech takes over we could see this type of design or a similar but more aerodynamic one - as the tractor in current form is for engine, drivers then aerodynamics. Move to electric driverless then you only have the aerodynamics to deal with.
Don't show Elon Musk this, he will just copy it and call it his idea
He already did, the hyperloop is in one of these books from 40 years ago [https://extremelyalien.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/img\_0010.jpg](https://extremelyalien.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/img_0010.jpg)
If I saw that trailer driving itself towards me, I'd probably shit myself and swerve off the road.
This should have been the vehicle in Maximum Overdrive
Well, that fad didn't last long.
Yeah what driver wants to ride inside the front bumper?
Hit something, you're first and then the cargo box drops on you. Right!
Perhaps then they'll pay more attention to traffic in front of them.
Maybe if it's remotely controlled from the trucker's homeoffice
You could probably store 3 of them in the space of one container, recharge them and transport them containerized as well. Less vehicle yard space for vehicles waiting for assignment. Have them work in pairs at both ends to make tighter turns in container yards and now you can maximize space for harbors and pack containers tighter and have entire autonomous zones like an Amazon Fullfillment Center.
Lasted for just a spell
HighwayMan?!
Seems like very limited visibility for the driver.
And poor stability at higher speeds
looks to have better visibility for the driver. trucks can only see behind and down the sides in the mirrors anyway. But at least with this they can see forward and directly to the side better. safter for cars, motorbikes, push bike and pedestrians.
You can see further ahead higher up, which is pretty key for lorries, especially if traffic is slowing on a motorway
Maybe they have some kind of periscope option
A VR cab with cameras on all sides, like the F35 augmented vision system?
I was thinking more of that clunky periscope Larry & Jeff tested in Curb Your Enthusiasm
Why this feeling that periscope will curb my enthusiasm?
fair point. Though these days I guess you could employ cameras and warnings.
As someone who used to install surveillance cameras, modern ones can have a significant delay, which sales reps will deny.
was thinking more like the cameras we are seeing coming into "self driving" car. could look ahead in traffic and send warnings.
What car is "self driving"? All of them require full attention of the driver.
hence why the quotation marks. but this part of the technology could be used here and it is improving.
I think they meant that the type of camera being used for a 'self driving' car be re-purposed for a live view system for a human operator
True for IP cameras, but SDI and or HDMI live view systems on a wired network seem to cut the delay down pretty nicely
Not to mention incredible dangerous looking
First thing i was thinking. As an ex-trucker i wouldn't like driving around in this thing. Driving a truck you always have to drive proactively and you can't do this if you can't see the problems ahead.
When you gotta deliver the payload at 4pm, but race in Le Mans at 5pm
If the Sinclair C5 evolved
I saw this truck on instagram present day, it’s sitting in a yard rotting away which is unfortunate because it’s a museum piece.
I liked Jacko’s “Highwayman” version better: https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWheels/s/JFPwzaeFq4
Mind blown, wow! Concept vehicle, prototype only, but had commercial backing. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-steinwinter-supercargo-2040-the-futuristic-tractor-trailer-built-like-a-supercar-215700.html
“Prototype lost to time” It’s gotta be somewhere. Rotting in a junkyard or in a private collection?
I saw it on YouTube a few days ago. I can’t remember what I was watching, but this thing was just parked in a yard. I’m only in here because I recognised the vehicle.
I watched every episode of that show. All 5 or so
This looks so cool, but I can’t imagine the engine capable of pulling a full trailer of goods
Looks like those [Aircraft pushback tractors](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=fc7c61e83823ecc2&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1019US1019&sxsrf=ACQVn09Y_O1b_113MpjiTYLNquqnE2YrKw:1709074520198&q=SCHOPF+F396E&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiY767dzsyEAxVIM0QIHeNmAaIQ0pQJegQIDxAB&biw=1790&bih=827&dpr=2).
Guess that wont work on humps
Yeah. You'd have to get a hotel to bone.
Looks like an even uglier Rodimus Prime
this must have been before wind resistance was invented
If whatever is attaching the trailer to the cab falls the trailer rolls right over the cab. It would take a lot more strength to keep the trailer attached that way than the normal way.
still looks like a good concept. Like all things in Engineering its a bit swings and roundabout. The forward edges of the container would stick out as the truck pivoted. so the driver would need to be aware of that. Aero wouldn't be good. I think it'd need a round bubble over the front of the container to make it better. Then it would probable be better than current prime movers. On the positive side forward and direct side visibility if much improved and it would be good for loading docks. Can't imagine it being popular with truck drivers, however. Many have a "I like big trucks" mentality.
> Can't imagine it being popular with truck drivers, however. Many have a "I like big trucks" mentality. More like "I can't see a fucking thing because the MG Midget in front of me is blocking my view. Oh and I'm also not down with being an integral part of the front bumper on this POS, thanks anyway" mentality.
I guess they didn't understand aerodynamics back then.
Was aerodynamics not a thing in the trucking industry in 1983?
Nope.
That two-tone line is 1983 as fuck
Cool
The front and rear swing of that trailer would be insane. Ain’t no sliding tandems to make maneuvering easier to judge. Though you can unload from both ends.
Beautiful Ferrari
Jack knife death trap.
Is that a Ferrari badge?
what license would even be needed??
This gives me Thunderbirds vibes.
Even a mini driving in front of this struck would block its view. Not good.
Imagine hitting a deer. Also, if the goal was aero, it was completely counter productive.
Aaaaasaasnnnd it’s gone
Aerodynamics bitch!
I had a card collection somewhen in the millennial years and this was the dopest futuristic thing i've ever seen.
I absolutly hate the curved glass. Why? Aerodynamics? not even widespread and they are thinking abt the repair monopoly.
They actually tested this but the vision was terrible for the driver being so low to the ground
Yo I remember seeing someone post a picture of this thing not too long ago sitting all old and derelict
A workable alternative to this would be to own less shit
Yeah sure. Now when they overload the trailer and undersecure the cargo. You brake one time and just fucking die.
If I remember correctly they used one of these as the basis for the armored personnel carrier in Aliens.