The Twister testbed was operated on the Alaskan North Slope for three weeks in March and April 1970. Although the testbed configuration was somewhat removed from that required in terms of a “working” vehicle, it was believed that sufficient operating information could be obtained to develop an overall assessment of its potential.
The trials indicated that Twister was capable of running over terrain typical to the North Slope at speeds three to five times faster than existing commercial vehicles. Twister's ride was substantially better when compared to existing vehicles. Although deep snow occasionally stopped the vehicle, the self-recovery capability permitted the accumulation of 800 miles of test operation, of which 500 miles were cross-country, without any need for assistance by another vehicle.
