AZAK Light Lean 10K AT MHE Alternative

Technical Objectives The Technical Objectives of this Phase II Proposal are to design, test, build, and integrate frame and lift elements and controls, communications and software elements into the AZAK Mobility Platform to develop a fully built Prototype. Once complete, AZAK will internally validate the Prototype to prepare it for government operational testing and evaluation following the 15-month Performance Period proposed here. The resulting Prototype will (1) weigh less than 10,000 pounds; (2) be transportable on a single pallet position; and (3) move 10,000-pound 463L pallet and ISU 90 payloads in rough terrain, including sand, and be capable of rapidly loading and unloading these payloads onto C-130 and C-17 aircraft. AZAK is considering operations in austere environments from a ground mobility performance perspective, as well as in terms of signature reduction and controls and communications. á Technical Approach Since around 2015, AZAK has self-funded and developed its in-wheel electric drive technology that places all drive components necessary to drive a vehicle inside the wheel, below its center point (see Figure 2). AZAKĺs modular self-driving electric wheels simplify electric vehicle construction to (1) reduce vehicle size, weight, and power requirements; (2) lower center of gravity; and (3) optimize use of space and materials. AZAK improves ground vehicle performance and practically eliminates vehicle frame design limitations. From this baseline, ground mobility solutions requiring stability, climbing, high torque, efficient battery use for longer range, and which can ill-afford operational down time, can use the AZAK platform to improve vehicle performance. Moreover, AZAKĺs unique center frame designs allow it to construct lighter, leaner vehicles that can be transported to austere environments when other vehicles cannot and then perform exceptionally once there. With the freedom of frame design AZAKĺs technology allows, we have designed a ôlight and leanö electric AZAK 10K Cargo Mover (ôA10K ATö) that wraps around the payload and does not require a heavy offset to stabilize the vehicle.á This conservatively reduces vehicle weight by an estimated 60 to 75% from the existing 25,000-pound Caterpillar 10K AT MHE forklift. What vehicle weight remains, is parked considerably in the bottom half of the self-powered 48-inch diameter by 24-inch wide AZAK wheels, giving the vehicle a low center of gravity and increased stability. As detailed in Volume 2, this vehicle has superior maneuverability and is capable of compacting into a size that fits on one-pallet position for air transportability.