Sandstorm (vehicle)
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Sandstorm is an autonomous vehicle. Created by Carnegie Mellon University's Red Team, it is a heavily modified 1986 model 998 HMMWV. It competed in the DARPA Grand Challenge in 2004 and 2005.
Sandstorm qualified in first position in the 2004 DARPA Grand Challenge. It travelled the fastest and farthest (7.4 miles) during the race before high centering on an embankment.
The sensors used by Sandstorm in 2004 included three fixed LIDAR laser-ranging units, one steerable LIDAR (in the globe on top), a RADAR unit, and a pair of cameras for stereo vision. Sandstorm also has a GPS and an inertial navigation system for determining geographical position.
Since the 2004 race Sandstorm has been continually tested and modified, logging hundreds of test miles. Testing includes an unprecedented continuous 200 mile test run at an average of 28 miles per hour.
The 2005 version of Sandstorm uses six fixed LIDAR units, the steerable LIDAR, and short- and long-range RADAR.
Sandstorm competed in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge on October 8th, qualifying third from the pole position behind Stanley and finished in 7 hours, 5 minutes, placing 2nd out of the five vehicles to complete the 132 mile course.
A Hummer in the upcoming movie Deja Vu seems to be modeled after Sandstorm and its sister car, H1ghlander.
[edit] See Also
- H1ghlander - Sandstorm's sister vehicle
