Lightweight, Blast-Resistant Metal Matrix Track Component Technology for Military Vehicles

Mines have been cited as the #1 threat to FCS, threat exacerbated by the lower weight of FCS vehicles. Vehicular mine incidents accounted for about 26 percent of the U.S. personnel killed in action in the Somalia conflict. The use of lower density materials in track suspension components, driven by transportability and performance considerations, will increase vulnerability against mines. Foster-Miller demonstrated an innovative mine blast mitigation approach to retain sufficient vehicle mobility. Additionally, our technology can substantially reduce weight compared to the current steel road wheels. In Phase I, Foster-Miller proved this concept through finite element analysis, and demonstrated producibility by building road wheel articles. Foster-Miller has assembled a strong team consisting of a military vehicles systems integrator and recognized track/suspension design and testing experts. Phase II will focus on lightweight and blast mitigating road wheel technology for a specific FCS military vehicle. We will optimize designs, materials and processes; and prove repeatability in quality and structural and blast mitigation performance. Performance benefits and cost will be quantified and producibility of optimized component will be demonstrated. The established team, selected implementation system and anticipated results; will take this technology to a commercialization-ready stage at the end of Phase II. (P-030463)