FMTV Bandtrack Over Wheels

GS Engineering was awarded SBIR Phase I, II, and III contracts to develop a ‘Band Track over Wheels’ prototype for the FMTV to significantly enhance soft soil mobility. The SBIR effort led to additional development of Track-over-Tires prototypes for commercial customers. The effort began with development of a dynamic analytical model, which was validated using experimental data, and used as a design tool to optimize the band track design, layout, and vehicle configuration.

GS Engineering designed an innovative, robust track tensioning system, and the rubber track development was contracted to Camoplast. GS Engineering installed the track and tensioning system on the FMTV, instrumented the test vehicle with multiple data acquisition transducers, and performed a series of successful off-road tests including deep mud, sand, and winter (deep snow) conditions.

GS Engineering recently completed a SBIR Phase III contract, which successfully demonstrated a segmented version of the Band Track over Wheels system. This version demonstrated significant off-road mobility enhancement, including a successful field endurance test. The segmented band track also demonstrated rapid field installation and improved maintenance, by allowing the replacement of individual segments instead of the entire track strand.

GS Engineering's Track and Suspension Services Include:
Road Wheels
Bushings

Contact GS Engineering to bring expertise to your track & suspension challenges.