NCMS Project #: 142331
Problem: One of the major challenges that the United States (U.S.) Army faces is that they must operate in difficult environments that are not always accessible to traditional supply chains. This can make the maintenance and sustainment of their wheel and track based vehicles difficult and can potentially cost the Department of Defense (DOD) more time and money to use traditional methods.
Benefit: This technology will become a potential solution that can minimize supply chain constraints and lead times and provide on-site manufacturing without traditional manufacturing facilities. This AM solution will require significantly less energy to produce parts which makes this an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution compared to existing products.
Solution/Approach: The objective of this project is to improve mobility of wheel-based and track-based vehicles via the development of novel Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions. To improve mobility of wheel-based vehicles, a non-pneumatic tire solution will be developed with highly durable thermoset materials.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Reduce repair turnaround time
- Improve warfighter effectiveness and safety
- Decrease maintenance and sustainment costs
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC)
Industry Participation:
- PPG Industries, Inc.
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Mx avoidance & reliability
- Positive environmental impact
- Mx management improvement
Mx Focus Area:
- Reliability Improvement (Hardware)
