Suspension and Track Noise and Vibration Reduction for Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (EFV)

The operational capabilities of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) are a leap-ahead technology as compared to the old AAV/P7. The early vehicle prototypes have identified several areas of improvement to make this an outstanding vehicle. This proposal will be directed at reducing the vehicle noise and vibration induced by the track and suspension system. EFV noise and vibration reduction is desired for multiple of reasons: improved occupant whole body vibration, improved crew communication, improved component endurance life, and reduced vehicle signature. This effort will systematically identify and quantify possible improvements for each noise/vibration source of the track and suspension system. This will include leading edge track/road wheel contact, track backing elastomer/road wheel contact, backing elastomer and road wheel dynamic characteristics, track design, idler design, suspension load distribution, sprocket and support rollers. Design solutions will be modeled and analyzed for the highest vibration excitation sources. GS Engineering, Inc. (GSE) has teamed with BBN Technologies and UDLP to provide a superb team with direct relevant expertise on every US military tracked vehicle including the EFV. This includes a combination of component design, field tests, and noise and vibration instrumentation results for the EFV, M1, M2, M88, M109, AAV and AGS.