Recent tests of experimental band tracks applied to the M-113 and Bradley M2A2 indicate significant gains in weight reduction, mobility and cost effectiveness. However, these gains in efficiency are temporarily overshadowed by the logistical concerns over difficult track maintenance as indicated by this solicitation. What is needed to solve the problem is a suspension system that can be collectively and individually controlled to facilitate service and/or replacement of band tracks, road wheels and other wear components. DTI previously designed a compressible fluid track suspension for the PSD, the progenitor to the AAAV. This system featured individual/collective strut control, full strut and track retraction that provided high mobility on land and water. This Phase One effort will demonstrate through design that further simplification of the DTI system elements and integration of DTI's latest technological improvements such as dynamic track tensioning and utilization of advanced vehicle height and attitude control system will yield a lighter, more durable, higher performance alternative to other variable systems. It is further anticipated this design will demonstrate the significant potential to reduce the maintenance/logistics footprint and introduce a unique method of servicing track systems to compliment the band track when compared to more complex variable systems. The anticipated benefits of this technology, is a simplified system that would reduce the maintenance and personnel hours needed to change vehicle track and accomplish it more safely. It will not only eliminate the need to manually elevate the vehicle, but also would not require other equipment which may not available in a combat situation. Personnel necessary to change track would be reduced from 2-3 to 1-2 and it could be done in a fraction of the time. This system could be utilized in a variety of military and commercial tracked vehicles.
