Prinoth has produced a new machine that is a synthesis between a Crawler Carrier and a snow groomer, developed in response to the requirements of the Norwegian Polar Institute and intended to operate in Antarctica, specifically at the Troll research station.
The machine is the result of a €17 million order for the supply of 10 vehicles, specially developed to tow up to 10–15 sleds with a total weight of 150 tonnes, along with service and spare parts support.
The Panther XL was built at Prinoth’s plant in Granby, Canada, combining the company’s expertise in snow grooming and Crawler Carrier with additional technological innovations developed specifically for this model.
From the Snow Grooming sector, the Panther XL inherits the large, intuitive, and customizable touchscreen display, adapted from snow groomers to meet the specific operational needs of the Panther XL, as well as heated windows and wipers designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, and a high-comfort air suspension seat, an intuitive steering wheel, and cruise control system, providing operators with exceptional comfort and control for long-range missions.
Thanks to Prinoth’s experience in the tracked vehicle sector, the Panther XL benefits from the company’s patented rubber track undercarriage, which features large wheels and automatic track tensioning for reliable performance on difficult terrain, and from advanced drivetrain integration leveraging Prinoth’s extensive expertise with Caterpillar control unit systems.
In addition, the Panther XL introduces innovations specifically developed for polar operations, including a fully suspended cab design for superior ride quality and comfort, Prinoth’s patented four-track drive dynamics to optimize traction and stability, and operator-assisted driving features designed to support operators during long journeys in extreme conditions.
Present and future
The new tracked vehicles will be able to transport modules and other equipment to the Troll station only during the short and intense Antarctic summer season. Given that the journey from the unloading site on the ice edge to the research station takes 2–3 days, the vehicles will be operating almost continuously. But beyond the activities related to the enhancement of Troll, another possible use for these Prinoth vehicles may be on the horizon. Founded in 1990, the current station is already nearing the end of its operational life, and a preliminary project is already in place for the construction of a new building to accommodate 65 people.
