Army seeks light, 100-mph battle vehicles

[unhappycamper]

2 types of vehicles sought
1 to drive on Osprey, other to carry cargo.


Army seeks light, 100-mph battle vehicles
By Kris Osborn - Staff Writer
Posted : Saturday May 17, 2008 7:11:16 EDT

The Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command may order thousands of rugged, high-tech, high-speed vehicles that can climb mountains, rescue fallen comrades and lead quick-strike assault teams in combat, service officials said.

The two services are joining to develop or buy two kinds of vehicles: one that could drive on and off the Marine Corps’ V-22 Osprey, the other to carry more cargo, said George Loewen, a mechanical engineer with the Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. Both would be much faster and lighter than today’s Humvee or tomorrow’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.

“As you look at today’s fleet, Humvees have moved up in terms of size and weight, and that has left a gap,” Loewen said.

Service officials are eyeing prototypes and early versions of several existing vehicles, including ones that can reach 100 mph on roads. TARDEC engineers are also exploring individual technologies that may give vehicles the suspension to handle rigorous terrain at high speeds.

“Soldiers are always looking for a fast-strike vehicle, to surprise the enemy fast,” Loewen said. “We’re trying to package high mobility and speed. Some designs have a traditional power system and drive train, and others look at hybridization and electric motors.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/army_battle_buggies_051708w/



uhc comment: More Osprey hype. I don't think there are that many roads in Iraq or Afghanistan where you can hit 100 MPH.