Navigating the Rigorous "F-Course" in a Land Cruiser: Constructing Paths to Enhance Vehicles (Continuation)

In the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, lies the Shibetsu Proving Ground, a haven for off-road vehicle testing. This test course, known as the F-Course, is a meticulously designed terrain that mirrors rough terrains from around the world. Surrounded by numerous tracks and nestled in a region abundant with nature, the F-Course offers a unique opportunity to test vehicles on challenging landscapes, an experience that was previously only possible overseas.

The F-Course is no walk in the park. It includes the Camel's Back, a mogul road that serves to test the suspension stroke and transmission of power. This rugged course allows vehicles to be put through their paces on rough terrain, helping to ensure their drivability in the harshest conditions.

Over the years, the F-Course has evolved to be a little more challenging than real-world roads, pushing each model to surpass the last in terms of reliability, durability, and off-road performance. The Land Cruiser 100 Series and its successors, equipped with electronic control devices like Crawl Control and Active Traction Control, have benefited greatly from this rigorous testing. These features allow drivers to focus on steering during off-road driving, enhancing safety and control.

Takanobu Fukuoka, a veteran at Toyota, has been instrumental in the development and testing of these vehicles. Joining Toyota in 1971, Fukuoka has spent decades evaluating various vehicles, including the Land Cruiser series. After retiring from Toyota in 2016, he continued his work on the advanced development of the Land Cruiser 300 Series at Toyota Technocraft Co., Ltd.

Fukuoka's off-road driving techniques are as legendary as his career. He emphasises the importance of using the tire sidewalls for traction and employs a unique method of pressing the accelerator slowly, then releasing it, to test the traction and control the torque during off-road driving.

The road leading to the F-Course winds through a forest of conifer and white birch trees, offering a tranquil contrast to the chaos of the off-road course. Squirrels scamper about, adding a touch of wildlife to the scene.

However, not all terrains can be simulated. Desert roads, for instance, present unique challenges due to differences in sand quality and conditions. Despite this, the F-Course offers a comprehensive test for off-road vehicles, pushing them to their limits and paving the way for future improvements.

In a fascinating twist, Fukuoka, the off-road maestro, is now focusing on a new challenge - the development of a lunar rover. He is currently involved in constructing a test course for the LUNAR CRUISER, the manned pressurized rover jointly developed by JAXA and Toyota. The F-Course's rigorous testing is being applied to this new project, ensuring the LUNAR CRUISER's driving performance is up to par for its lunar mission.

Despite his focus on space exploration, Fukuoka hasn't forgotten his roots. He remains active as an agricultural scientist and farmer, pioneering natural farming methods in Japan. A true testament to his versatility and passion for innovation.