In February 2025, an 81-meter wind turbine blade needed to be transported from Brindisi Harbour in southern Italy to the RWM Mondonuovo wind farm 40 kilometers away. The transport required navigating public roads with a component that presented significant challenges in terms of length, weight and maneuverability. For context, the wind blade was lonoger than a Boeing 737. Any loss of power during critical maneuvers could compromise the entire operation.

This journey was the first of 27 transports needed to complete nine turbines at the RWM wind farm. The Rome-based company, which specializes in railway and wind transport, selected specialized vehicles equipped with advanced transmission technology for this mission. The company equipped two Astra HD9 8x6 vehicles with Allison 4700 Specialty Series fully automatic transmissions specifically for their operation.

Geotrasporti's commercial and technical manager, Massimo Carlini, operated the vehicle for the inaugural transport. While he had transported challenging loads before, this marked his first experience with an Allison-equipped vehicle.  "I must say I was thrilled; I had never tried such a vehicle before," Carlini said. Carlini's in-house testing had indicated strong performance capabilities, but the public road transport with an 81-meter blade provided the definitive test. "Every maneuver is critical in such a transport and not losing power is essential," he explained. "Not only to save fuel but especially to ensure vehicle control during low-speed maneuvers."

Allison Automatic Transmission Enables Complex Maneuverability

Allison transmissions, including the 4700SP, offer specific advantages for challenging routes, including: 

• Torque converter multiplication: Multiplies engine torque at startup, critical when moving extremely heavy or bulky loads
• Continuous power delivery: Maintains constant power to wheels during acceleration and deceleration
• Smooth gear transitions: Eliminates jerky starts that could destabilize oversized loads
• Integral retarder: Enhances vehicle braking performance

The Astra HD9 features a 4-axle configuration with three drive axles, enabling up to 500 tons of towing capacity. The drivetrain pairs the Allison transmission with a 13-liter Euro 6 Cursor engine delivering 570 horsepower.

"In our sector, vehicle performance is crucial. We purchased the two Astra HD9s with Allison transmissions in 2024 specifically for the most important and delicate transports, like this one in Brindisi. Our drivers are proud to drive these vehicles."
- Robert Carlini, CFO and Project Manager at Geotransporti

Proven Reliability in Complex Transportation Situations

The collaboration between Geotrasporti, Astra and Allison Transmission demonstrated that exceptional transport requires more than raw power. Precise control, reliable performance and technology that simplifies complex operations proved essential for successfully moving components the length of a commercial airliner through public roads.