Tools, Techniques and Materials for Lightweight Tracks

Alternative processes, tools and techniques are required for installation and support of traditional steel and segmented band track systems using only two crew members. The logistical burden of the current system of using 3-4 crew members and additional heavy equipment is not feasible to support vehicles in the future. The new system must allow two crew members to assemble, install, disassemble, inspect and repair segmented tracks to track pitches. The approach developed in the Phase I effort uses multiple compact and lightweight tools, which can be configured depending on the vehicle and track type. Further development of the tools, with the goal of insertion into the logistical stream, will revolutionize the current manual track changing and inspection methods and greatly reduce the logistical burden associated with track maintenance. Also, the inspection tools being developed will, for the first time ever, allow for both field and depot level inspection of rubber band track.