This week’s Freak entry is short on factoids but long on weird. This is the Russian ZiL-29601, a military vehicle that ditched the idea of wheels or tracks and went straight to giant screws.

Yes, we said giant screws.

Since this thing was built during the Cold War era, the Kremlin kept the details about it close to the vest. We’re thinking that this is a prototype, and we’re not sure if any of these guys actually were mass produced.

Here’s what we know: It was created around 1970. That’s about it.

OK, we know one thing. Seeing that thing careening at you while on the battlefield would scare the wee out of a lot of soldiers. You have to admit, the thing is just evil looking.

Anyone else know anything about this?