+ 1970 News Releases (7.6 Mb PDF file) - NASA

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The trainer's extra w_ight comes from additional strength in the frame_
wheels_ drive motors, and suspension system_ caused by the fact that
astronauts and their equipment weigh s_x times more on Earth than they w_ll
on the moon. The trainer _an carry a total weight of 800 pounds_ including
two astronauts_ scientific equipment and samples. The auto-type tires are
necessary because of the trainer's extra weight. Flight LRVs will have
speical wire mesh wheels.
The trainer _s 10 feet_ 7 inches long_ almost six feet wide_ and has
a 7.5-foot wheelbase. Each wheel _s powered by an electric motor_ in
_njunction with a three-stage planetary gear box instead of the harmonic
drive that will be used on flight models.
The trainer will be cperated with an aircraft-like "stick" hand controller
and can stop_ turn_ move forward and reverse at variable speeds. Top speed
will be aoout nine miles an hour on a relatively smooth surface.
Power for the tra_ne_ will come from two nickel-cadmi_a rechargeable
batteries. Therm8_] mirrois and heat stnks_ used to cool batteries in the
moon's environment_ will _ot be used on the Earth vehicle. Thermal control
will be provided by circulating air with small electric _ans. (Two silverzinc_
nonrechargeable batteries will power flight models.)
The trainer_ like flight LRVs_ is designed to negotiate_ from a standing
start, step-like obstacles one foot high w_th both front wheels in contact.
Tt can cross_ also from a stand_ng start_ 22-inch crevasses, even if both
wheels rest across the crevasse. The fully loaded vehicle will be able to
climb_ descend and stop on slopes as steep as 31 degrees.
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