The Weyland RT01 Group Transport, often referred to simply as the RT01, is the primary terrestrial vehicle used in Prometheus (2012), Ridley Scott’s prequel to Alien. It’s a rugged, all-terrain exploration truck designed for transporting crew and equipment across the harsh alien landscape of LV-223.
Purpose:
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Used by the Prometheus crew for surface transport on the alien moon.
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Carries a large number of personnel and gear from the Prometheus spacecraft to the Engineer structures.
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Appears in multiple scenes involving exploration, crisis response, and escape.
Real-World Construction:
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Practical Build: The RT01 was a real, drivable vehicle, not CGI — built for on-location shooting in Iceland and other remote locations.
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Base Chassis: Built on a modified MAN HX-series military truck or similar heavy-duty off-road platform.
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Design/Modifications:
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Custom body panels, armor, and cockpit canopy added.
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Sleek, futuristic lines combined with practical rugged features (oversized wheels, wide stance).
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Cabin designed to fit multiple passengers with full atmospheric suits.
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High ground clearance and multi-wheel drive, suitable for the rugged terrain depicted in the film.
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On-Screen Appearance:
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Marked with the Weyland Corp logo and “RT01” identification.
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Featured built-in communications equipment, environmental monitoring gear, and roof-mounted lighting.
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The vehicle exudes a utilitarian but sleek aesthetic — reflecting Prometheus’s mix of high-tech corporate design with gritty realism.
In-Universe Specs (Fictional):
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Manufacturer: Weyland Corporation.
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Purpose: Group transport, short- to mid-range deployment on alien planetary surfaces.
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Features (speculative based on lore):
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Sealed, pressurized cabin
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Independent power system
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Terrain mapping sensors
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Modular cargo bays and seating
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Capable of light defense or drone support integration
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Behind-the-Scenes Notes:
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Production designer Arthur Max and concept artist Ben Procter helped shape its look.
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The vehicle was physically constructed and driven during real filming — notably unusual in an era of heavy CGI.
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Its design echoes real-world exploration vehicles like NASA's concept Mars rovers and Arctic transport rigs.
Legacy and Design Influence:
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The RT01 helped ground Prometheus’s more fantastical elements in industrial realism.
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It connects visually to the blue-collar tech aesthetic of the Alien universe, especially the Rover APC from Aliens and the loader vehicles in Alien 3.
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While not as heavily featured as ships like the Prometheus itself, the RT01 added realism and depth to the film's planetary exploration scenes.
Currently on display at the Coventry Transport Museum U.K
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