From Road & Track · Brett Berk · · 2m
Diesel Only at Green Bank Observatory
Green Bank Observatory uses only diesel vehicles to avoid radio interference.
In brief
Green Bank Observatory uses only diesel vehicles to avoid radio interference. Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia requires all on-site vehicles to run on diesel to prevent radio frequency interference. Originally reported by Road & Track.
Green Bank Observatory
Green Bank Observatory is a U.S. National Science Foundation facility with radio telescopes in West Virginia.
Radio Quiet Zone
Green Bank sits in Appalachia’s 13,000-square-mile National Radio Quiet Zone to avoid radio interference.
Diesel Vehicles Only
All on-site vehicles must run on diesel to prevent radio frequency interference from ignition sparks.
Henry Taylor’s Diesel Family
Henry Taylor, a 59-year veteran, says his family has driven diesel since the 1980s.
Checker Marathon Diesel
Green Bank acquired half a dozen Checker Marathon diesel cars in the 1960s, but they were slow and unreliable.
Screamin’ Jimmy
NSF converted a 1968 Chevy truck with a Detroit Diesel 4-53 engine, nicknamed Screamin’ Jimmy.
Bedford Diesels
Mechanics installed Bedford diesel engines from Vauxhall in the 1970s, but they lacked power and needed repairs.
Volkswagen Rabbits
Green Bank purchased two Pennsylvania-built Volkswagen Rabbit diesels in the early 1980s, but parts were hard to find.
Modern Diesel Trucks
Chevys with Detroit diesels, Dodges with Cumminses, and Power Stroke Ford F-250s now replace older models.
Diesel Hybrid Bus
A 2016 diesel-electric hybrid tour bus was purchased but its battery pack depleted after short trips.
2025 Chevy Pickup
A 2025 Chevy pickup is used by electronics technician Chuck Niday for monitoring radio interference.
RFI Mitigation
Staff disable Bluetooth, remote start, and tire-pressure sensors to reduce radio interference.
Future Plans
Staff research enclosed diesel-powered side-by-sides or golf carts to avoid interference.
Vehicle Maintenance
Green Bank’s vehicles have high odometer readings due to frequent short trips, causing wear on parts.
Restoration Project
Henry Taylor plans to restore a 1960s Checker Marathon diesel car after eight years of inactivity.
The essence
Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia requires all on-site vehicles to run on diesel to prevent radio frequency interference.
