Wheels over Track Optimization for Future Combat System (FCS) Application

The primary objective of Phase II is to use refined computer models developed during phase I to help identify performance characteristics of band tracked vehicles, select a wheeled vehicle platform suitable for the application, and specify band track components. Instrumented testing will then follow using band track components in the laboratory for initial testing, followed by a full vehicle field test which will correlate vehicle data to theoretical models. The final product of Phase II will be a band track over wheels demonstrator vehicle and correlated computer models applicable for track over wheel vehicles - both FCS vehicles and commercial. This program will include the track and vehicle suspension design experience of GS Engineering and the mobility modeling of the Keweenaw Research Center.