Hyack Hyack:
bootlegga bootlegga:
The title is misleading - the snowmobile itself is not $620k. That price includes the testing for it as well as the snowmobile.
$1:
In one test, military personnel used sound-meter readings to compare the prototype's noise performance against two gas-powered snowmobiles.
Another trial saw the machine driven at a steady speed on a mix of flat terrain and hilly snow-covered roads until batteries died.
Soldiers wielding a radar gun also tested the stealth snowmobile's acceleration as it raced 100 metres down a flat, snow-packed track.
I read the story and realize it's not just the price of the 1 snowmobile, just the idea of our government spending over half a million dollars on testing a "stealth" snowmobile is what sends shivers up my back. I don't care if it's gas, electric or nuclear powered, there just has to be something more practical than a "stealth" snow machine.
Well, for covert operations in the Arctic, there are really only three ways to get around - skis, snowmobiles or dog sled. Skis are silent but much slower and have a lesser ability to carry equipment, while the other two create tons of noise (unless you support cutting the dog's vocal cords).
Based on what I've seen of Ranger and Army operations in the North, snowmobiles are essential to operations up there, so despite what some might think, this isn't likely going to be a one-off product, but probably built in dozens or even hundreds if they can make it operational.
Let's not also forget that military vehicles is typically engineered to much higher tolerances that most civilian vehicles. That too affects price. It wouldn't surprise me if this snowmobile uses carbon composites or something similar to lighten it weight while increasing its durability and lowering its radar profile (to reduce visibility from JSTARS-type planes).
Finally, in the whole scheme of defence spending, $620 thousand is peanuts. It's something on the order of .003% of the defence budget. If it fills a perceived need and is only $620k, then I'm all for it. I only wish we could buy fighters or destroyers for that price.
CKA Uber 
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