572,543. Endless-track vehicles. ROADLESS TRACTION, Ltd., and JOHNSON, P. H. May 29, 1940, No. 9443. [Class 79 (i)] [Also in Group XXI] In a self-proelled land torpedo the explosive charge and a prime mover for propelling the torpedo are carried by an endless track vehicle within the space encircled by the endless-track, the latter being of the locked girder type which can flex only in one direction. Tracks of this kind are described in Specifications 248,839, 306,431, [both in Class 79 (i)], and 569,336. In the construction shown the endless track 3 passes over rollers 2 and driving sprockets 9 driven through spur and chain gearing 5, 6, 7 from an internal-combustion engine 4 mounted on the vehicle frame 1. The sides of the vehicle are protected by cover plates 10. The grooved plates 1 L of the track links are provided with extensions 12 to ensure that there is no gap between the links when they pass round the rollers. No steering means are provided, but in order that the vehicle may not swerve from a straight line longitudinal guide ribs or fins 13 are provided on the ground plates 11. Transverse projections may also be provided on the ground plates to increase adhesion. An explosive charge 15 is carried by the vehicle frame 15 and is provided with firing mechanism set to operate after a certain distance or time interval.
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