Sled

Sled or sledge is a land vehicle with a smooth underside or possessing a separate body supported by two or more smooth, relatively narrow, longitudinal runners that travels by sliding across a surface. Most sleds are used on surfaces with low friction, such as snow or ice. In some cases, sleds may be used on mud, grass, or even smooth stones. They may be used to transport passengers, cargo, or both.

Design and operation

Sleds are typically narrower than they are long, with the length typically significantly greater than the width. The sled's design allows it to move efficiently by keeping the center of gravity low and distributing the load evenly over a large surface area. The sled's runners allow for less friction, which in turn allows for greater speed.

Sleds are typically pulled by an animal such as a horse or dog, or they may be pushed or pulled by humans. In the modern era, sleds are often pulled by snowmobiles. They can also be tied together in trains for greater capacity.

Types of sleds

There are many types of sleds, including:

• Dog sleds: These are used in dog sledding, a popular activity in parts of the United States, Canada, Russia, and Greenland.
• Horse sleds: These are often used in rural areas for transporting goods and people.
• Toboggans: These are used for recreation, particularly by children, and are typically used on snow-covered hills.
• Bobsleds: These are used in the sport of bobsledding. They are designed to be fast and aerodynamic, and are used on a track that is iced over.
• Luges: These are used in the sport of luge. They are similar to bobsleds, but are smaller and designed for individual riders.

History

The sled has been in use since ancient times. The oldest known sleds were found in the Oseberg Viking ship excavation in Norway, and they date back to AD 800. The sleds of the past were often made of solid wood, with runners made of bone or metal.

See also

• Sleigh
• Sled dog racing
• Snowmobile

References

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