Advanced Lightweight Vehicle Components and Materials

The additional weight of add on armor systems and extra equipment, coupled with IED tactical warfare, has negatively impacted the performance of tactical wheeled vehicles. This is demonstrated by compressed suspension systems, higher vehicle center of gravity, increased rollovers, and reduced performance on all tactical vehicles, but is especially prevalent in HMMWV’s. The US military has started a JLTV program to develop an improved replacement to the HMWV, but this is 6 – 10 years before fielding the system. The Special Forces require near term improvements, and cannot afford to wait for the JLTV to be developed. Therefore, GS Engineering (GSE) proposes a detailed parametric study of the modified HMMWVs / GMVs to develop lightweight components using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques for near term implementation. These lightweight components will save 250 – 500 pounds of mass with the same or better performance than the heavy steel or cast iron components.