SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this project is to develop a significantly improved ground vehicle for military reconnaissance with high speed over rough terrain and high mobility a prime factor. Concepts to capitalize on the attributes of electric drive and active suspension utilizing swing arm technology are explored and a practical system selected. The use of independent drive wheels of a hybrid electric drive combined with advanced compressible fluid active suspensions with fuzzy logic controls provide the synergy to achieve greater vehicle performance levels in mobility, speed over varioua terrain and side slopes, and gradeability speed improvement beyond the state of the art. The project will also investigate the use of a joystick control for the functions of speed, direction, steering, and a chassis attitude and ride height using fuzzy logic in the control system. By using vehicle attitude control, side slope capability will be enhanced, approaching the 600 requirement. Constant torque motors provide high gradeability & speeds and series parallel motors provide the speed range capability. The proposed concept is feasible and has the potential to fulfull the Army's need for a high mobility scout vehicle. The future need for a high speed, high mobility scout vehicle has already been identified by the military. This class of vehicle will have a significant potctntial as a civilian off-road vehicle as well. This project will further advance such a vehicle.

Keywords:
Active Suspension Hybrid Electric Drive High Mobility High Speed Cross Country

The objective of this project is to develop a significantly improved ground vehicle or military reconnaissance considering high speed over rough terrain and high mobility as prime requirements. Concepts in hybrid electric drive and active suspension will be explored, and a practical system selected. Independent-drive wheels, combined with advanced compressible fluid active suspension, all supervised by advanced fuzzy logic controls, provide the synergy to achieve greater vehicle performance levels in mobility, better speed over various terrain and side slopes, and gradeability speed improvement beyond the state of the art. The project will investigate the use of a single combination joystick control to adjust speed, direction, ride height, and chassis attitude. By using vehicle attitude control, side slope capability will be enhanced, approaching the 60 degrees requirement, constant torque motors will provide high gradeability speeds and series parallel motors will provide the speed range capability. The proposed concept is feasible and has the potential to fulfill the Army's need for a high mobility scout vehicle.

Benefits:
The future need for a high speed, high mobility scout vehicle has already been identified by the military. This class of vehicle will have a significant potential as a civilian off-road vehicle as well. This project will significantly advance the envelope of off-road performance and wartime maneuverability.

Keywords:
In-Wheel Motors High Mobility Active Suspension Fuzzy Logic Controls Independent Drive Wheels