TARDEC – Development of a Track Testing Machine
NCMS Project #: 140461
Problem: Many Army vehicles are currently unprepared to withstand the environments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Post-breakdown structural analysis has conclusively shown that extreme temperatures in current combat environments have led to a significant number of these failures.
No capability currently exists to test roadwheels and tracks together.
Currently any system level test on both the track and roadwheels involves sending a tracked vehicle to Yuma Proving Grounds. Sending vehicles to the Proving Grounds, retrofitting then and then testing them, is a long and costly process.
Benefit: The Army will ultimately benefit from this Project by obtaining end products in field of track and roadwheel systems that are safer and more reliable.
Solution/Approach:
- Expand the Army’s capabilities to develop field-accurate vehicle models and to adequately predict in-field vehicle performance. The PST shall achieve this Objective by designing, fabricating, installing, and validating a Track Test Machine.
To achieve these objectives, the overall project will be conducted in two parallel phases:
- Determine the design requirements of a Track Testing Machine in support of PMs and PEOs.
- Fabricate and modify required hardware, and to assemble, debug, and calibrate the Track Testing Machine both inside and outside of the TACOM facilities.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Increase soldier safety
- Decrease O&S costs
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army (TARDEC)
Industry Participation:
- Onodi Tool & Engineering
- NCMS