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COMBATT:
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| Trucks and Technologies of the Future |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:21:33 |
| Rating |
 646 ( -70 -10.83% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
COMBATT:
Trucks and Technologies of the Future
Innovations
When today's Army motors onto the reviewing stand, it can just as easily be that the audience is automotive journalists standing at attention, with notebooks and pens in hand at the North American International Auto Show, as it can be representatives of the U.S. Armed Forces and officials from the Pentagon, scanning the field of new technologies at Quantico's new off-road demonstration track. Exactly what does that mean? Spy-age defenses and extreme technologies are coming to a garage near you soon!
In addition to COMBATT, the Army is also working on cooperative ventures between NAC engineers and their counterparts in each of the big three auto companies -- DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors, along with numerous automotive equipment manufacturers, and academic research centers. NAC-partnered technologies include a state-of-the-art wiring system; new steel manufacturing and applications processes being explored in a partnership with Ford Motor Company engineering; and an "electronic drive" transmission which NAC helped partner with General Motors' Allison Transmission Division.
The "electronic drive" transmission, already in use in select military trucks and municipal bus applications, virtually takes control of the operating efficiency of its mated engine, regardless of the engine manufacturer. The resultant power train effects 60-percent improvements in fuel economy and a 90-percent reduction in pollutant emissions while maximizing the engine's operational efficiencies. The new transmission is also being earmarked for application in the Interim Armored Vehicle.
Another project, the "next generation electrical architecture," a new electrical wiring system, was developed in partnership with DaimlerChrysler and Oakland University's Product Development and Manufacturing Center. The wiring system has been showcased on a standard-looking Jeep Cherokee and literally pushes the envelope in on-board diagnostics. It can provide owners, dealers and manufacturers with real-time monitoring of every major and minor component within the vehicle's frame, with the exception of the chassis itself.
For everyday drivers, the wiring system will give the confidence and security of knowing all systems are up, running and working at their optimum each time the car is being operated and if a part begins showing signs of failure, or if systemic problems surface in like cars, owners would be notified immediately of both the problem and its recommended repairs, followed by an invitation to 'bring it in." Application of such a system to military equipment would provide battlefield commanders with total, real-time oversight of armor and wheeled fleets throughout the critical stages of combat.
One NAC-industry partnership with Ford has explored innovative steel manufacturing applications that give 20-year-plus corrosion protection and reduce overall vehicle weight while increasing both strength and structural integrity. This technology is already being applied to the Ford IMPACT program and will become available for Ford's F-150 SuperCrew's by the 2005 production year, officials have reported.
Intended for extreme four-wheel-drive applications, a new "Extreme Underdrive" is being evaluated for inclusion on the HUMVEE and COMBATT models, as well as other military application. Developed by the Klune Group, the underdrive gearbox bolts in place between the transmission and transfer case and multiplies the existing gear reduction by 4 times (rather than the usual 1.2 times) and allows vehicles to move very slowly and precisely through difficult or very tight rock formations, and up and down waterfall-type obstacles and high-powered hillclimbing.
"The Army's mission is changing in response to the changing nature of threats to our national security," Wend said. "We are part of an Army that is transforming itself into a force that is more agile, lethal and responsive because that's what it will take to prevail. The U.S. automotive industry faces similar challenges. So it makes sense to share the task of introducing technologies that consumers want and that our soldiers need. By working together we can get the job done better, faster and cheaper. Everybody benefits. These automotive innovation and dual-use technologies are examples of how the Army today is leveraging common goals with its automotive engineering counterparts to benefit the Army, industry, and American consumers.
In addition to COMBATT, the Army is also working on cooperative ventures between NAC engineers and their counterparts in each of the big three auto companies -- DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors, along with numerous automotive equipment manufacturers, and academic research centers.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
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As America motors its current military fleet in the war in Iraq, the U.S. Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), the National Automotive Center (NAC), along with the "Big Three" automakers, branches of the military, and other federal government agencies are at near-completion of a 14-million dollar project, designing military trucks of the future.
The COMmercially BAsed Tactical Truck (COMBATT) initiative started four years ago and is a collaborative venture between TACOM's NAC and DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation, with a goal to develop military vehicles off of an existing commercial truck platform, with enhanced off-road mobility, improved durability, and state-of-the-art technologies, as well as lowered cost and upkeep. Requirements are for a light tactical truck remanufactured to Army specifications for carrying troops and cargo, which could be used as a replacement, in some applications, for the current volume military vehicle, the HMMWV or "HUMVEE".
According to estimates by the NAC, the current prototype models would be offered at a savings of close to $30,000 per vehicle over the HUMVEE. Models include a modified Dodge Ram 2500/3500, Ford F-350 and Heavy Duty Chevrolet Silverado. Additionally, Dodge and GM have built Hybrid versions of their trucks. GM recently unveiled its version at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, in January, while Ford took the wraps off of a terrorist-fighting concept, the SmarTruck, at the auto show last year.
"The magnitude of our mission directly affects our defending warriors-the fighting men and women in today's Army, but we look at a support horizon that spans 70 years-from equipment built in the mid-1960s to equipment that will still be in soldiers hands in 2035," said Maj. General N. Ross Thompson III, Commander of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, when speaking about the COMBATT project.
Beyond their military application, the modifications of the COMBATT trucks will also make them appealing to Federal Government agencies and other customers who need capable off-road vehicles for severe duty such as logging and mining, rural firefighting and for counties that do not have highly developed highway systems. While the HUMVEE has many benefits, it does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, therefore, can't be sold for commercial road use. Among the 26 other government agencies that are currently evaluating the COMBATT vehicles are the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Border Patrol and state law enforcement organizations. The U.S. Border Patrol is currently using eight GM prototypes, including some diesels, for evaluation in southern California.
Some of the modifications to get these dual-use vehicles up to military standards include: air springs (ride height adjustment); extended suspension; up-size wheels and tires and a central tire inflation system; 4-wheel ABS and yaw stability management system; advanced differentials; variable stiffness anti-roll bars; adaptive cruise control; extra body and chassis protection; black box recorder; driver vision enhancement with panel display; and a complete suite of electronics for navigation/communications, as well as for diagnostics.
"This effort is a part of the Army's 21st Century Truck Initiative that has goals of building more fuel efficient, smarter and safer trucks for our future force," said Dennis Wend, Director of the NAC in Warren, Michigan. NAC is the Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center's (TARDEC) principal conduit for technology transfer from the automotive industry into the Army's ground vehicles research/development projects. NAC is also at the forefront of the 21st Century Truck Initiative, which also has a unique goal of developing systems that must equally benefit the commercial sector, as well as the military.
Chrysler Group is also developing the COMBATT Ram to be available in 1500 and 2500 models with either 2-or 4WD and various gasoline engines, for commercial applications, such as the construction and utility industries. It will be sold commercially beginning in 2004, and is designed to meet the off-site electrical generating capacity needs of construction contractors, farmers, campers and even homeowners.
The project is now is its second phase, with a goal of gaining soldier input/feedback through informal field evaluations and formal testing at the Aberdeen Test Center, and evaluation of the electric/hydraulic variants. It is expected that contracts will be awarded sometime mid-decade.
THE COMBATT RECRUITS:
CHEVROLET SILVERADO COMBATT
GM's 4-door, 5-passenger extended cab pickup is powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel mated to a 5-speed auto transmission and a NVG transfer case with a 2.72 low-range set of gears. It also has a combination front- or rear-mounted 12,000 Ib. winch with remote control, run- flat tires with bead lock, a chassis that has been raised 6 inches for additional ground clearance and wheel travel, and a water-fording depth of 30 inches.
Standard Equipment:
Engine: 6.6 L (401 CID) Duramax Turbo Diesel-
Horsepower: 300 HP @ 3, 100 rpm.
Torque: 520 Ib.-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission: Allison 000 Series, 5-Speed, Automatic
Transfer Case: NVG, 2-Speed, 2.72 Low Range
Front Differential Limited Slip/Rear Differential Limited Slip
Fuel Tank-26 gal.
GVW Rating: 9,500 Ibs
Estimated Payload and Crew: 1,740 Ibs. (791 kg), (varies with equipment)
"The magnitude of our mission directly affects our defending warriors-the fighting men and women in today's Army, but we look at a support horizon that spans 70 years-from equipment built in the mid-1960s to equipment that will still be in soldiers hands in 2035."
--Maj. General N. Ross Thompson III, Commander of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command
FORD F-350 COMBATT
Ford's model is based on the F350 Super Duty Crew Cab pickup, with a 6.0-liter Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel that is mated to a TorqShift5-speed automatic with a 4WD drive train, with a two-speed manual locking transfer case and similar performance characteristics to its competitors. It is available as a Super or Regular Cab, with a 6.5 ft. or an 8 ft. cargo bed and includes a central tire inflation system (CTIS) and has 10 inches of ground clearance.
Standard Equipment
Engine: 6.0L (366 CID) Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel
Horsepower: 325hp @ 3300 RPM
Transmission: TorqShiftâ„¢ 5-Speed Automatic
Drive Train: 4WD with 4x4 High and 4x4 Low Range Settings
Transfer Case: 2-speed Manual Locking
GVWR: 12,700 lbs.
Payload: 4,100 lbs.
Off Road Trailering: 6000 lbs.
Dodge Ram 2500 COMBATT
The military version of Daimler Chrysler's Dodge Ram 2500 pickup has a 5.9-liter high-output turbo diesel engine, matched to a 4-speed auto transmission with a 2-speed heavy duty transfer case and a towing capacity of 22,000 lbs. It also features a state-of-the-art hydro-pneumatic suspension system designed to negotiate severe off-road terrain, which allows for maximum wheel/axle articulation regardless of the circumstances.
Standard Equipment
Engine: 5.9L High Output 1-6 Turbo Diesel Engine
Horsepower:: 305 hp.
Torque: 555 lb-ft torque
Transmission.4 -Speed Automatic Transmission with a 2 -Speed Heavy Duty Transfer Case
Includes: Engine Start/Stop Mode
GVWR: 9,900 lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Towing Capacity: 22,000 lb Trailer Tow/Gross Combined Weight Rating
Superior Off-Road Capability enabled by an Enhanced Mobility Suspension System
Positively Locking Front & Rear Axle Differentials
Dodge Ram 2500 COMBATT C-11 Hybrid
Dodge's Hybrid Electric gets a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced tailpipe emissions (compared with a comparable conventional Ram), but what's more important is that its powertrain converts to an electric generator to provide 12.5 kW continuous electric power or up to 30 kW peak electric power, which eliminates the need for portable generators at remote sites. Additionally, it can be operated in either diesel-electric hybrid or electric-only ("stealth") modes, which also provides a 'Silent Watch' capability.
Chrysler Group is also developing a Dodge Ram HEV for commercial applications, such as the construction and utility industries. Based on the all-new Ram pickup, the HEV will be available in 1500 and 2500 models with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive and equipped with various gasoline engines. The electric motor provides power assist of 35 kW, or about 47 horsepower. The exhaust emissions from the generator on the Ram HEV will be much cleaner than conventional portable generators, because it will be powered by the vehicle's clean hybrid powertrain. (The additional components in the hybrid powertrain add 250-300 pounds to the vehicle's weight, compared with 2,500 pounds or more for a portable generator with similar capacity.) Sold commercially beginning in 2004, the Ram HEV is designed to meet the off-site electrical generating capacity needs of construction contractors, farmers, campers and even homeowners.
Specifications:
Model: Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Quad Car 4 X 4
Powertrain: Diesel-electric hybrid
Engine: 5.9 L Cummins 24-valve diesel
Motor: 35 kW/47 hp
Transmission: 47 RE 4-speed automatic
Electric Generation:12.5 kW continuous, 30 kW peak, 110 and 220 VAC, 208 VA 3-phase
Suspension: Hydro-pneumatic suspension for severe off-road terrain and load leveling
Tires: Run-flat all-terrain tires, with central tire inflation control
Fuel efficiency: 15 percent improvement over conventional Ram
Emissions: SULEV
GM Hybrid Electric
GM's green military machine is a ruggedized four-door Chevrolet Silverado pickup, with a6.6-liter, 210-horsewpower Duramax V-8 engine, mated to an Allison hybrid split-power system, which mixes hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce water and electric current. It has a continuously variable transmission with integral electric motor/generators that are hooked up to two sets of high-power nickel-metal hydride batteries. By recapturing waste energy, GM estimates the hybrid powertrain can improve fuel economy 20 percent over a conventional diesel as well as provide power for the truck or troop operations. In addition, a self-contained auxiliary, 5-kilowatt fuel cell system in the pickup's cargo bed can operate while the truck is in motion, or be dropped off and run autonomously.
When the vehicle is parked and using only the fuel cell, it is largely undetectable and operates in "silent watch mode" and because the system runs at a far lower temperature than a conventional generator, it would give off far less heat for the enemy to detect with infrared reactors. This fuel cell in the prototype could provide up to five hours of power for the surveillance hardware on the prototype truck, which has a Night Vision camera on a 60-foot collapsible mast. GM hopes to have a version available for consumers by 2010.
SmarTruck.
The Blue Oval's SmarTruck is a concept vehicle built upon a Ford F-350 pickup as a platform for NAC to test several anti-terrorist, homeland defense systems. Capabilities include hidden body armor, high-voltage door handles, oil slicks, tacks, blinding lights, pepper spray, smoke and detection devices. While it looks relatively tame on the outside, it also boasts both roof-launched grenades and a roof-concealed laser. SmarTruck uses Delphi's QuadraSteer braking system, an electronic four-wheel steering system that enables full-size vehicles greater ease of maneuverability while driving or trailering at low speeds, and improved stability, handling and control at higher speeds - especially while trailering. The system is now available on 2003 GM full-size trucks and some models of SUVS.
--Story by Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England. |
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