The Kharkovchanka (Russian: Харьковчанка) or Kharkivyanka (Ukrainian: Харків’янка, “Woman of Kharkiv“), is an Antarctic all-terrain vehicle produced in 1958; the basis of the vehicle, was the AT-T tractor. It was equipped with a 520 horse power diesel engine that, in addition to the weight of the vehicle (35 tons), could tow a trailer weighing 70 tons. Since it was designed for the exploration of the Antarctic, the ability to tow this amount of weight was essential for transporting the fuel needed for the expeditions.
The cabin contained seats for the driver and navigator, as well as 8 beds on two levels, a bathroom and a kitchen with the ability to heat canned food and drinks, a heater and a radio station. The cabin provided access to the Kharkovchanka engine, so that, if necessary, it could be repaired and maintained without leaving the heat. It appears that 5 were built.
“Kharkovchanka” , the Russia’s Colossal Antarctic Cruisers which have been continuously operating in some of the most extreme environments on Earth for over 50 years, was produced in the late 1950s in Kharkiv, when Ukraina was part of the Soviet Socialistic Republics.
These amazing Snow Cruisers featured everything a polar explorer could need in the field. In their half-century mission, they have crossed thousands of miles on Antarctic Ice, visited the South Pole, the Pole of inaccessibility as well the dozens of outposts and Research Stations on the Continent.
By the 39th Russian Antarctic Expedition, Vityaz DT-30Ps replaced the Kharkovchankas. Those were themselves later replaced by “PistenBully 300” Polar vehicles.
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The last of the Kharkovchankas was retired only a few years ago (in 2008) and is now standing as an “Historic Monument” at Progress Station (WAP RUS-11).
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While not directly related to philately, its unique history and role in Antarctica, have sometimes been commemorated through philatelic items like stamps or special covers.