Timeline

Built at the Detroit Arsenal, the M4 Sherman tank played a significant role in WWII. The M4 was powered by five different gasoline engines and a six-speed synchromesh transmission. It possessed a top speed of 30 mph, had a range of 120 miles, and was capable of climbing a 60 percent grade and 40 percent in fording.

The T23 medium tank was the first electric drive tank. Weighing 35 tons, the T23 was powered by a 500 hp Ford GAN 6005 Gasoline Spark Ignition Gasoline engine. The vehicle had a front sprocket drive with two independent right and left DC motors.

In July 1945, the Chief of Ordnance requested Mr. K.T. Keller, President, Chrysler Corporation, to form an Industry Committee to make recommendations on the Components Laboratories proposed for the Detroit Arsenal. Report approved in April 1945 to conceive the Detroit Arsenal Laboratories.

Keller Committee (consisting of Chrysler, Continental Aviation, Ethyl, Ford, GM, Hudson Motor Co., International Harvester, Packard, Studebaker and Timken) unanimously concluded that a laboratory to study technologies regarding military ground vehicles be formed. This was called the U.S, Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory.

14 specialized labs could administer 217 tests

Combat vehicles were standardized with a 24-volt electrical system.

In July 1950, the Detroit Arsenal was producing M26 Pershing and M46 Patton tanks at a rate of over a dozen tanks a day. The M46 Patton was used by the American Army during the Korean War. The M47 and M48 tanks were upgrades to the M46.

Army adopts the use of middle distillate fuels allowing use of diesel engines in ground vehicles.

First composite armor developed; armor was twice as effective as steel against shaped charges.

Army requests the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory begin classified work on vehicle signatures, the first “stealth” program, which became a major research and development focus for decades to come.

Unique Land Locomotion Laboratory established to develop a theoretical basis for the movement of vehicles across terrain; test equipment invented to measure soil shear and sinkage.

Detroit Arsenal Power Plant Laboratory B212 construction complete. R&D Division created in May 1954.

Development of “Dynamic Armor,” which was the first known attempt at active protection.

Fuels and lubes expertise expanded with addition of labortatory at Southwest Research Institute.

The M60 Patton Main Battle Tank was introduced and powered with a Continental 1790 750 hp air-cooled diesel engine and CD850 Allison cross drive transmission. The M60 weighed 53 to 57 tons, had a 105 mm gun, with top speed of 30 mph and a range of 300 miles. The M60 entered service in 1960 and comprised the bulk of the U.S. fighting force for the next 20 years.

Cell 9 Dynamometer Laboratory construction complete. Consisted of circular high temperature test cell and fan room, rectangular center section with offices, equipment rooms, and electrical sub-station, and rectangular section with engine test cells, control rooms, dynamometer and equipment rooms, laboratory, shop, and maintenance area.

M109 Howizter prototype completely built in U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory shop; upgraded versions still being fielded.

Original equations developed describing vertical and shear stress in vehicle/terrain interactions.

U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory’s unique cold temperature lab used to test spacecraft prior to first U.S. mission into space.

Diesel version of AV1790 gasoline engine developed with 60 percent better fuel economy, but it still fit in the space of the gasoline engine; used in M60 tank.

Very early active suspension being developed.

Absorbed Power Research using Motion Simulator: GVSC (then called the Land Locomotion Lab) initiated research to understand the human response to mechanical shock and vibration in the 1950’s, and the absorbed power metric currently used to assess ride quality of military vehicles was the result. The first seat motion simulator was developed in 1961, and was hydraulically driven and electrically controlled by an analog computer to reproduce the motion the test subject would experience in the actual vehicle. This simulator was used to study shock and vibration effects on human subjects. Severity of vibration along with varied duration of exposure were studied to quantify human limits to vibrations. This resulted in the development of ride quality metric, called absorbed power commonly used to establish ride quality requirements for military vehicles today.

First motion simulator installed to simulate vehicle motion and impact on individual; absorbed power term was first developed.

Walk-in ozone chamber developed for rubber pad testing; led to the development of rubber compounds with anti-ozonates to protect against ozone attack.

Fields the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge.

The AVCR1120 engine developed, first successful military application of a variable compression ratio engine.

Hydro-mechanical transmission developed providing for the first time an infinitely variable gear ratio through an entire speed range.

Innovative programs implemented to keep U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory current: educational classes broadcast over a TV network, distant learning courses, an exchange program with West Germany, and the establishment of a Scientific Advisory Group.

The first successful application of a variable compression ratio engine developed with Teledyne-Continental increased power output by 50 percent.

Develops less detectable vehicle paints with reduced signatures.

A family of multi-fuel, very high output engines developed that used same components for 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-cylinder engines and weighed only 2.5 pounds per horsepower generated.

First successful amplified high pressure common rail injection system was demonstrated for combat diesel engines.

Synthetic fuel oil developed for arctic use, which pioneered military and commercial use of synthetic lubricants.

Evaluates vehicle signatures, benchmarks against acceptable values and suggests remediation methods.

Cybernetically coupled articulated vehicles demonstrated.

Twister, an articulated vehicle with advanced suspension, tires and brakes is designed.

NATO Reference Mobility Model (NRMM). A tool co-developed by GVSC and USACE ERDC, is used extensively by military ground vehicle community to assess soft-soil mobility performance of military ground vehicles and design concepts. Tool operationalized soft-soil performance by predicting percentage of terrain that is trafficable and average speeds over these terrains for various terrains of interest worldwide. Algorithms were developed from field and laboratory work by GVSC and USACE ERDC (then Waterways Experimental Station), over 1950-1970 timeframe. The tool became operational on 1971 and was named “AMC-71 Mobility Model”. Officially, named NRMM in 1979 after sharing with the NATO partners. NRMM was updated in 1992 as NRMM II.

Developed stratified charge engine and investigated more than 40 designs to improve fuel economy.

The Army Materiel Command (AMC) Mobility Model was issued based on original vehicle/terrain interaction equations developed at U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory.

Novel recuperator developed for the turbine engine.

M151 Jeep with stratified charge engine was first vehicle to pass Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) light-duty emission regulations.

HMPT-500 transmission developed for Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (MICV), Based on HMPT-100-2 R&D, this transmission was eventually utilized in the Bradley Fight Infantry Vehicle the following decade.

Infrared suppression techniques greatly reduced signature on M60 tank.

Fuels from entire U.S. tested to determine effect of unleaded fuel on military vehicles.

Develops tube-over-bar suspension used for M60A3.

1500-hp Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) diesel tank engine developed. Engine twice as powerful as any diesel tank engine to date.

The X1100 hydro-kinetic transmission was chosen for the Abrams giving it “performance and drivability never before available.”

Leads the world in techniques for armor welding.

Following decades of work on diesel and gas turbine engines, turbine selected for Abrams tank.

Receives mission responsibility for remote-control (RC) vehicles and supplies more than 200 RC target vehicles to various military organizations over next five years.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Reference Mobility Model issued based on computational code written by U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory.

Simplified test equipment for internal combustion engines, a diagnostics package, invented and fielded in 1979; used on tens of thousands of vehicles.

Through sophisticated acoustical testing, track squeak identified due to center guide; later redesigned to remedy problem.

Sufficient computing power acquired to begin ground vehicle engineering studies.

Industrial Research 100 Award given to U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory Fuels and Lubricants group for its development of fire-resistant fuels.

Tests five electric vehicles as part of a Department of Energy (DoE) – Department of the Army agreement.

Air filtration experts assist Washington State Police following Mount St. Helen’s eruption.

M1 Abrams Tank built with an AGT 1500 hp Turbine engine and X1100 hydrokinetic transmission. The M1 tank weighed 60 tons, had a 105 mm gun, a top speed of 45 mph, was capable of climbing a 60% grade, and had a range of 275 miles. Assembled at Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant from 1982 – 1991.

Adiabatic engine program demonstrates extreme efficiency on multi-cylinder diesel truck engine.

Army votes U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Components Laboratory most improved lab.

Designs a slip ring to allow information exchange between the tank’s hull and turret.

Interior lights on combat vehicles re-engineered to prevent light leakage.

Dynamic Analysis and Design System (DADS) software. This high fidelity 3D multibody dynamics software was developed at GVSC in collaboration with the University of Iowa. The software was used by GVSC to assess ride quality and vehicle dynamics response of military vehicles with respect to rollover stability, and firing response, etc. In 1984, DADS was spun-off to a small company that commercialized the model which resulted in GVSC winning the prestigious Federal Laboratory Technology Transfer award. The software laid the foundation for many follow-on commercial dynamics M&S tools used throughout industry today. The tool is currently owned by Siemens AG and has been incorporated in their SimCenter suite of M&S tools.

First Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit fielded with thousands more to follow.

The Advanced Integrated Propulsion System (AIPS) developed as an integrated engine, transmission, cooling, and air cleaner system that achieved 10% more sprocket power than M1 engine in only 60% of the volume.

DADS model spun off for the commercialization winning the Federal Laboratory Technology Transfer Award.

TARDEC instrumental in development of central tire inflation systems and run-flat inserts, first fielded on HMMWVs

The first Combat Vehicle Command and Control (CVC2) Vehicle Architecture developed at TARDEC

TARDEC develops countermine roller system for M60 tank

Participated in the Tripartie Bridging for the 80’s program with the United Kingdom and West Germany and develops bridging codes used throughout the world.

ROBAT (Robotic Obstacle Breaching Assault Tank) designed and built at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Components Laboratory to clear mines.

Computer-Aided Remote Driving work initiated with Jet Propulsion Lab representing the first implementation of stereo vision on Army vehicles; also used on lunar rover and Mars explorer vehicles.

Replaceable pads used on M1 rather than integral track increasing track life from 700 miles to 2,100 miles.

A higher performance engine that fit in same space was designed for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) to accommodate increased weight.

Under Advanced Ground Vehicle Technology Program, the first Army intelligent vehicle program, autonomous control was integrated into an M113 tracked vehicle and a wheeled vehicle.

One of three members in the Army supercomputing program. Significant computational power to solve highly detailed, 3D simulations and provide soldier-in-the-loop capabilities in conjunction with physical simulation equipment.

Develops first communication protocol to allow interoperability of robots, known as Robotic Vehicle Message Format.

TARDEC completed installation of the Crew Station/Turret Motion Base Simulator (CS/TMBS). This simulator is a one-of-a-kind 6-degree-of-freedom apparatus that can accommodate fully active combat vehicle turrets to conduct Gun/Turret Drive and Weapon Stabilization research and development by providing a repeatable platform motion that acts as a “virtual” hull. In addition to its combat vehicle capability, the simulator can accommodate up to 9-soldier vehicle crew stations (combat and tactical) to look at war fighter interactions in a motion environment.

Single-pin tracks gradually replaced with double-pin tracks for greater durability.

Laser eye-protection filters were developed and fielded on all combat vehicles winning Army Research and Development Award.

First lab crew station, Vehicles Crew Display Demonstrator, developed.

First ground vehicle robotics kit fielded for Operation Desert Storm.

TARDEC engineers demonstrated that diesel vehicles can operate on JP-8 fuel enabling the Single-Fuel Concept.

TARDEC forms industry-government committee to improve titanium production methods, which eventually led to a low-cost alloy that greatly increased the commercial and military use of titanium.

Vetronics was applied to M1A2 tank replacing a hard-wired electrical system with multiplexed, bused power; in the process the M1 went from 90 percent analog to 90 percent digital.

The self-cleaning air filter was introduced onto the M1A2 dramatically increasing air filter service life from 20 to 200 hours.

As the result of a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision, the Force Projection Directorate was moved from Fort Belvoir, Virginia to Warren, Michigan. This included the Supply, Bridging, Counter Mobility, Water Purification and Fuel/Lubricant business areas. The move was completed in 1997.

TARDEC develops simulated bridge-testing method replacing the need for thousands of actual vehicle crossings.

A third tire test machine was added to the tire test facility allowing variable caster and camber, as well as load and speed.

Petroleum Quality Analysis System was designed for the battlefield as TARDEC and fielded.

Virtual Prototyping Process developed at TARDEC to enable early vehicle evaluation.

TARDEC sponsors development of Elastic Plastic Impact Code, the primary ballistic penetration code, allowing a reduction in actual ballistic tests by 75 percent.

Automotive Research Center established consisting of a consortium of universities led by the University of Michigan.

Developed and fielded a new quiet sprocket for the Abrams which reduced track noise generated by the sprocket.

Magneto-rheological fluids developed at TARDEC for semi-active suspensions for a greatly improved ride.

Evaluated Zirconia ceramics based thermal barriers coatings in a V-2 Cummins 903 engine as part of Detroit Arsenal Low Heat Rejection Engine research program.

Launched the Combat Hybrid Power System (CHPS) Program with DARPA. CHPS initiated development of advanced technologies such as Lithium Ion battery and Silicon Carbide Power Electronics.

TARDEC was selected to chair the Weapon System Technical Architecture Working Group.

Sixty M915s fielded with Collision Warning Systems.

TARDEC’s Software Engineering Center selected by Program Manager (PM) Abrams as its M1A2 Software Support Agency.

Direct creation of engineering animations during analysis runs for distributed visualization via High Performance Computing.

Crewman’s Associate ATD – First Advanced Crewstation design program, evaluation of 2 vs. 3 vs. 4 man crewstations for Main Battle Tank mission, with simulated environment.

TARDEC’s CVC2 System renamed Inter-vehicular Information System (IVIS) and fielded in M1A2; later reincarnated as Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) still in use today.

As part of the 1993 BRAC, B210 construction was completed to house the Petroleum and Water Business Area.

GVSC completed installation of the its new Ride Motion Simulator (RMS). This simulator is a 6-degree-of-freedom apparatus that recreate the ride of military vehicles traversing cross-country terrains. The simulator is a high-performance, single occupant device and has been utilized for a wide range of uses such as soldier seat comfort, warfighter interaction and soldier cognition and task load research.

Composite Armored Vehicle Advanced Technology Demonstrator weighed 35 percent less than all-metal counterpart.

The National Water Research Institute’s National Centers for Water Treatment Technologies Program designates TARDEC Petroleum and Water Business Area as a National Center on Oct. 5, 1998.

FSCS ACT II Crewstation Simulator – Extension of Crewman’s Associate effort, addressing Scout mission for FSCS program.

Lighter weight mine-sweeping roller system developed for BFV and used in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Advanced Collaborative Environment created through a combination of web-based technology, Windchill ™, and the virtual environments of the CAVE ™ and the PowerWall ™.

TARDEC honored for plan to convert excess M109s to M992s.

Through NAC’s Commercially Based Tactical Truck (COMBATT) program, commercial trucks were remanufactured to Army specifications.

Vetronics Technology Testbed (VTT) – First example of indirect vision driving and drive by wire capability with advanced crewstations integrated into prototype vehicle; utilized Bradley Fighting Vehicle, demonstrated at Camp Grayling.

Missile Countermeasure Devices developed at TARDEC and fielded in Iraqi War.

Hybrid-Electric (HE) Test Lab and HE Reconfigurable Moveable Integration Test Cell installed at TARDEC.

TARDEC creates the 21st Century Truck Initiative announced by Vice President Al Gore in April 2000 creating a partnership between DoE, DoD, Department of Transportation and the EPA.

Using physical simulators providing six degrees of freedom motion, sophisticated Soldier-in-the-Loop experiments completed.

The NAC creates Hybrid Truck Users Forum.

Following development of numerous systems, TARDEC becomes world leader in Integrated Army Active Protection Systems.

Future Combat System (FCS) Engine program initiates early development of the MTU 890 series engine.

Evaluation of the Kharkov 6TD-2 Opposed Piston Engine in the Detroit Arsenal Propulsion Laboratory.

Abrams Panther was fielded, a remote-control mine-roller system.

Crew-integration and Automation Testbed (CAT) ATD – Advanced crewstations integrated into Stryker platform to address Fight, Scout, Carrier and Robotic Control Missions, to include UGV and UAV control, Semi-Autonomous driving, Multi-functional yokes (driving, sensor and weapon engagement), with embedded simulation capability. Joint project with Robotic Follower ATD.

Event/Technology: TARDEC unveiled its own instance of an immersive visualization capability known as a CAVE ™ (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment). The TARDEC-CAVE allows several individuals to be collaboratively immersed in a life-sized 3D visualization of a concept vehicle model. The CAVE is a 3D immersive environment consisting of three rear-projected walls and a front-projected floor that creates a 8.5- by 8.5- foot immersion space. The CAVE allows the Soldiers, Engineers, Project Managers, and Army Senior Leaders to virtually experience, provide direct feedback, and iterate on the designs of future Army vehicle concepts or technology upgrades before resources are invested to produce physical prototypes.

TARDEC deployed a portable CAVE – known as a Reconfigurable CAVE or RAVE – to Santa Clara, CA for use by President George W. Bush, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Chief of Staff Andrew Card. The portable CAVE was part of the Advanced Collaborative Environment (ACE) program which won the 2002 Simulation and Modeling for Acquisition, Requirements and Training Award.

TARDEC welding experts reduced 13 military weld codes down to only two; steel and aluminum.

Tactical truck structure revisited through the Future Tactical Truck System Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration Project.

6T AGM lead acid battery (MIL-PRF-32143) specification established and first vendor qualified providing an alternative to the flooded 6T battery with improved performance and safety characteristics.

Tactical truck structure revisited through the Future Tactical Truck System Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration Project.

Two Advanced Technology Demonstrators (Crew Stations and Robot Follower) team up in many successful field studies.

First-of-its-kind, duty-cycle experiments developed to provide energy usages for traditional/HE engines during simulated runs.

U.S. patent 6,960,243 B1 issued to TARDEC employee, et al. for Production of Drinking “Water from Air”

Halon-substitute fire-suppression systems developed; first fielded on Stryker.

Robotic System Joint Project Office moved to TACOM; Joint Center for Robotics formed to support it.

TARDEC develops ice detector to help NASA locate ice on space shuttle prior to launch.

TARDEC helps develop and evaluate alternative fuels to help diversify its engine supply.

DADS model proved so valuable that it is now used for all vehicle acquisitions and major upgrades.

Robot Follower Experiment ended with road speeds of 40 mph achieved; software delivered to Future Combat Systems.

After the development of ATPD 2352, TARDEC became the certification authority for all transparent armor.

Advanced Concepts developed JLTV new start concepts that supported JLTV requirements development as well as identified technologies that could meet the operational requirements set by the Combat Developers. These concepts were also used in the JLTV AoA and the JLTV Cost Informed Trade Assessment. These concepts were instrumental in supporting the JLTV acquisition process.

TARDEC studies promote understanding of field effects seen from use of JP-8 as single fuel; convince EPA to reduce emission requirements for Army vehicles.

Two super computers purchased; for the first time one is dedicated to classified work.

HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer developed at TARDEC to train Soldiers in exiting damaged vehicles.

Quick Reaction Cell established at TARDEC to address warfighter problems.

Electrochemical Analysis & Research Laboratory (EARL) opened enabling R&D of advanced energy storage materials and technologies such as Lead-Acid and Lithium-Ion based batteries, and Supercapacitors.

Sophisticated long-distance, duty-cycle experiments carried out over Internet between subject in Michigan and HE engine in California.

Classified High Performance Computing capability allows for underbody blast analyses and occupant injury studies.

TARDEC Modeling and Simulation group improves reliability-based design methods to the point that reliability can be predicted for entire vehicle system.

TARDEC develops end-to-end underbody blast model winning numerous awards.

Advanced Reconfigurable Space Frame Demonstrator designed and built as testbed for survivability options.

Thrown Object Protection System fielded to repel grenades.

The Future Combat System (FCS) Vehicle with Hybrid Electric Drive developed and tested in the propulsion laboratory. FCS powered by a 590 hp MTU 890 5 cylinder diesel engine, a permanent magnet generator, two permanent magnet traction motors, Lithium-Ion battery, and cross drive steering system with two 70 hp steer motors.

The Army Petroleum Laboratory, which had been under the control of the Army Petroleum Center (TACOM), was transferred over to TARDEC. This was a result of APC being moved to AMC G3/G4.

Robotics Collaboration ATO – Mission crewstation project that developed autonomy aids to assist Robotic Control Operator with Unmanned Vehicle operations. Example of aids developed was steerable waypoint, which provided operator the ability to control UGV mobility through change of targeted waypoint.

Under Body Blast M&S: TARDEC develops M&S capability to perform high fidelity End-to-End computational system level blast analysis starting with the energetic event and ending with human injury metrics.

Award-winning Elastomer Improvement Lab installed.

Overhead Wire Mitigation Kits fielded to deflect overhead wires winning 2009 Army award.

HMMWV Improvement Program wins Army award.

Simulation-Based Reliability and Safety Consortium established at Mississippi State.

TARDEC develops seeded fault method to allow prediction of faults for Condition-Based Maintenance.

Detroit Arsenal develop the Test Operating Procedure (TOP) for hybrid electric drive vehicles’ fuel economy.

Detroit Arsenal spearheads U.S based Lithium-Ion battery manufacturing.

Track bushing failure diagnosed for first time.

TARDEC formulates fuel-water mixture to be fire resistant following Improvised Explosive Device attacks.

Two Water-From-Air units successfully built and demonstrated.

Convoy Active Safety Technologies implemented; wins 2009 Army RDA Award.

On-Board Vehicle Power developed at TARDEC to be fielded for first time on future vehicles.

Through the HE Vehicle Experimentation and Assessment Program, TARDEC develops procedures for determining hybrid fuel economy and measures numerous vehicles on test tracks and through simulation.

As part of the Robotic Vehicle Control Architecture program, the Autonomous Platform Demonstrator was built, a 9-ton HE robot that can travel at speeds up to 50 mph.

Sensor-enhanced armor installed on Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck demonstrator, allowing the armor condition to be continuously monitored.

TARDEC develops pulse power unit to power a directed energy laser weapon or electromagnetic armor.

Advanced Concepts Team develops first Ground Combat Vehicle concept helping to establish the size and weight constraints for the new Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

Detroit Arsenal develops a semi-active suspension system for the Stryker vehicle. Suspension significantly enhances off-road mobility.

TARDEC developing a Single Common Powertrain Lubricant.

MSU Composite Vehicle Research Center (CVRC) partnership established for ground vehicle armor research. The CVRC was founded in 2007 at Michigan State University (MSU) under the direction of Professor Eann Patterson. Patterson stepped down as Executive Director February 2011, and Nick Gianaris, formerly of General Dynamics Land Systems, replaced him as of June 2011. The CVRC is operated in partnership with the U.S. Army and Navy to research and design composite vehicle materials and structures for air, ground and sea that are safe, durable and lightweight. The center emphasizes design validated by experiment and employs an elite group of MSU engineering professors, whose areas of research are organized into seven thrust areas, all of relevance to the military. The thrust areas are impact resistance, composite joining, multi-functional composites, self-diagnostic composites, structural integrity, biomimetics, and design and manufacture.

Low Risk EM Armor – TARDEC and ARL began exploring an Electromagnetic Armor (EMA) package that is designed to mitigate risk for multi-threat defeat armor package for Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV). The goal of this effort is to develop and demonstrate in FY12 an electro-magnetic defeat mechanism in an integrated armor package, utilizing commercial off the shelf Pulse Power components. The major component of the integrated armor package is BAE’s PPUMA 11 pulse power supply. The PPUMA11 allows for correct timing and power requirements needed to defeat GCV level II threats while maintaining the space claim of the armor recipe. The main component of the FY10 program was development and validation of the armor recipe at TRL 4.

Power Brick for EM Armor – TARDEC and ARL decided to build upon Low Risk EMA and introduce a new power supply with advanced batteries to allow for multiple threat defeats and lower the power needed from the vehicle. The major components of the system are the power brick module and mission module. The power brick module contains a battery charger from vehicle voltage to advanced battery voltage. The mission module contains the pulse charger (from advanced battery voltage to 10kV), high energy density capacitors, and solid state switches. Each vehicle will have multiple sets of the power brick and mission module integrated into a multi threat or commonly referred to as hybrid armor. This system will allow for multiple threat defeats without vehicle power and a level of redundancy in case a power brick or mission module is damaged.

Sensor Enhanced Armor SIL – Detailed frequency and impedance characterization of all piezoelectric transducer properties are performed in the SEA-NDE lab following the guidelines of the 176-1987 ANSI/IEEE Standard on Piezoelectricity. Two SEA vehicle demonstrators for the TWVS ATO, the Integrated Survivability Demonstration (ISD) and Ballistic Demonstrator (BALDEM), were completed that consisted of an integrated system involving multiple sensor enhanced armor plates and a graphic representation of armor health on the warfighter display. Army patent allowed for this innovation. A vehicle with SEA armor was sent to APG for exploitation tests. This technology received an Army Research and Development Technology Award for development of Sensor Enhanced Armor. In addition to piezoelectric based sensors, an embedded NDE technique was developed for ice cube armor using high intensity miniature LED’s. A patent was allowed also filed for this innovation.

FAJARI- The Fastening and Joining Research Institute, at Oakland University, was founded to conduct research and testing of fastener systems. GVSP worked with FAJRI to design a fastener system to facilitate a zero gravity blast mitigation structure. GVSP also contracted FAJRI to conduct research on the fastening system of transparent armor laminates. These laminates are showing failures at the adhesive joints, FAJRI will be working towards reducing these failures.

OCP SIL – In FY10, the GVSP Occupant Protection SIL (OP SIL) provided support to a number of customers through laboratory and live fire testing. Additionally, the OP SIL undertook a series of test on a generic hull, which enabled more rapid test and evaluation of blast mitigating technologies, in an unclassified environment, making sharing data and information with industry easier and more rapid. The SIL team worked to increase its responsiveness to customers through the acquisition of new test dummies and equipment to make testing more rapid and accurate.

The Advanced Combat Vehicle Armor Development (ACVAD) program provided advanced armor solutions using non-traditional armor materials to support all ground combat vehicles and is in direct alignment with PM GCV. ACVAD is directly linked to ARL’s HyPot program that will provide advanced lightweight armor solutions at TRL 4 to ACVAD. The armor solutions with be transferred starting with kinetic energy armor and one year later the chemical energy threat armor will transfer.

The Combat Vehicle Armor Development (CVAD) program is a collaborative effort between TARDEC and ARL to develop and ballistically validate armor designs for the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV). The GVSP CVAD program was tasked with developing solutions that will succeed against both current and projected future threats by using lighter-weight advanced materials and improved modeling and simulation tools. ARL provided TRL 4 armor designs, 1QFY11, that incorporated lightweight materials that were needed to defeat these threats and meet weight goals. CVAD developed and planned the required integration activities to mature that armor to TRL 5 and 6. The technologies that have been identified have direct application to the survivability of GCV and are expected to strongly influence all future generations of combat vehicles. The CVAD program concluded in 4QFY11, one year earlier than originally planned.

TWVS ATO- This ATO is using multiple engineering optimization and operational models to develop optimal survivability suites for the Integrated Survivability SIL, the integrated survivability demonstrator and the survivability systems report.

The objective of the Anti Ballistic Window Armor (AWA) system is to develop a windshield vision system for a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP)) and for a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV)) that provides an alternative to the current transparent armor. GVSP created and led the AWA contractor through a wide ranging technology development effort. This included coordinating requirements with multiple vehicle platform PMs and developing the analytical schemes for physical and constructive modeling efforts. This effort encompasses the widest range of ballistic, integration, and environmental testing necessary to fully characterize the system and subsystem performance. The design and testing phases of the effort are planned for the 2nd quarter FY11.

OCP SIL – In FY10, the GVSP Occupant Protection SIL (OP SIL) provided support to a number of customers through laboratory and live fire testing. Additionally, the OP SIL undertook a series of test on a generic hull, which enabled more rapid test and evaluation of blast mitigating technologies, in an unclassified environment, making sharing data and information with industry easier and more rapid. The SIL team worked to increase its responsiveness to customers through the acquisition of new test dummies and equipment to make testing more rapid and accurate.

Underbody blast – This phase II SBIR program was tasked with developing a longer term solution based on a micro truss sandwich panel design, formerly known as an interlocking pyramids structure. This design is known to mitigate compression forces (as distinguished from tensile or shear forces). This approach to blast mitigation will result in a new vehicle geometry with modifications in material grade and gage. The goal is for the armor is to absorb at least 30 percent of the energy produced by the detonation of six kilogram TNT at a 16” standoff, which is the floor level of protection required for NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 Level 2.

OCS- In FY10, the Blast Mitigation Team formalized the OCS project. The OCS Project is identified as a number one project for Ground Systems Survivability. The main thrust of this project is to develop a vehicle design standard which starts with the occupant and works outward. There will be three demonstrators for this project: 1 Ideal Hull Demonstrator, 2 Platform Upgrade Demonstrators. These demonstrators will include occupant safety technologies that will mitigate the effects of blast and rollover/crash on a Soldier. Timeline for this project is FY10-FY15 with Design and Development taking place in FY12-14 and Testing to take place in FY14.

The Future Infantry Soldier Technology (FIST) Program plans to develop capabilities for determining the optimized distribution of survivability technologies across a convoy (or mission), integrate those technologies onto advanced vehicle architectures, and measure the effect that the integration has on soldier and crew performance. The FIST Program is the follow-on effort to the Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Survivability Army Technology Objective (TWVS ATO), which was an award-winning, collaborative effort with ASA(ALT) that resulted in the Integrated Survivability Demonstrator (ISD) that was featured at the Army Science Conference in Orlando, Florida. FIST will base the recommendations to Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) on Modeling and Simulation (M&S) and User evaluations, leveraging the successes of TWVS ATO. This effort will support TRADOC’s Long Term Protection Strategy (LTPS) through integration and testing of formation-based TWV convoy protection technologies.

FOGHAT – During the next year the FOGHAT project will perform an analysis/assessment of the Multi-Function Countermeasure (MFCM) to determine its current state of functionality and operability. Additionally, the project will mature and integrate existing technologies including a threat warning detection sensor, a command and control network, and the MFCM to demonstrate the capability to defeat a Semi-Active Command Line-of-Sight (SACLOS) ATGMs in a live-fire end-to-end (cue through defeat) scenario.

Head Impact SIL – In FY11 new equipment was procured for the OP SIL that will enable evaluation of various energy absorbing materials and systems to protect the occupants of the vehicles heads from injury. The test fixture is being purchased from MGA Research who is the manufacturer of Head Impact Test Equipment. The equipment is to be purchased and installed in FY11. In FY12 test procedures and material development will occur.

IOP is a set of documents that defines software messaging & hardware interfaces between major subsystems of unmanned ground systems. It is used on Programs of Record under PEO CS/CSS PM Force Projection and allows for reuse between different Programs which reduces the ‘stovepipe’ effect from past programs. This reduces costs, while allowing vendors unique innovation of platforms, payloads, radios and controller software. GVSC worked with industry in a Working Integrated Product Team structure to specify the base concepts, architecture, requirements, and overview for the Robotic Autonomous Systems – Ground (RAS-G) Interoperability Profile (IOP); specifically the platform, payload, mobility, on-vehicle network, communication, and logical interoperability messaging requirements.

Advanced Vehicle Power Technology Alliance (AVPTA) with the Department of Energy (DOE) was formed to accelerate the development and transition of energy savings technologies to commercial and military platforms.

Battery Management Laboratory (BMS) built to enable research, development, and validation of both Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid BMS technologies.

Demonstrated a silicon carbide battery-to-bus DC-DC converter to its full power capability of 150 kW continuous and 180 kW peak (with an inlet coolant temperature of 100°C).

Improved Mobility and Operational Performance through Autonomous Technologies (IMOPAT) ATO – developed indirect vision / drive by wire systems that provide electro-optic indirect vision based local situational awareness and mobility capabilities at or above the performance levels of direct vision mechanical drive systems, along with enhancing high definition cognition technologies to dynamically manage workload to increase the operational performance of future platforms.

Demonstrated a silicon carbide battery-to-bus DC-DC converter to its full power capability of 150 kW continuous and 180 kW peak (with an inlet coolant temperature of 100°C).

Ground Systems Power & Energy Laboratory (GSPEL) Grand Opening. GSPEL contains 8 individual laboratories including the centerpiece Power & Energy Vehicle Environmental (PEVEL) Laboratory. The PEVEL enables vehicle-level performance and durability testing on both wheeled and tracked vehicles, has reconfigurable dynamometers to test up to 5-axles, and offers controlled environmental conditions.

Occupant Centric Platform (OCP) accomplishments: During the remaining three quarters of FY12, the program completed its transition from the OCS program to OCP. This included establishing the TARDEC OCP TEC-D program management office. TARDEC was designated as the OCP TEC-D project lead and three program partners were identified: ARL-WMRD; Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); and the ONR Code 30 activity.

Tested 10kW JP-8 reforming fuel cell power system to demonstrate silent power generation capability leveraging “One Fuel Forward” logistics fuel.

Occupant Centric Platform (OCP): The OCP TECD (OCP I) was authorized and approved through the Army Science and Technology Advisory Group in December 2011 (1Q FY12). While that officially marked the beginning of the OCP TECD, the rudiments of the present program were initiated in 3Q FY10 under the name, Occupant-Centric Survivability (OCS).

Power Brick: During the year, TARDEC EST successfully developed several different prototype Power Brick batteries from two Li-ion battery manufacturers (Saft America and A123 Systems). The power brick battery being developed is in support of Electromagnetic (EM) Armor and other high-pulse power applications. It is a compact (target volume = 5L) ultra-high-power battery capable of delivering at least five – 1s duration 40kW discharge pulses at 600V. During the prototype battery development stage, the feasibility of developing ultra-high-power batteries capable of meeting the electrical performance requirements was established. In addition, A123’s prototype packs demonstrated the feasibility of achieving the size targets as the initial deliveries met the final thickness requirement of less than 8 inches. The initial batteries are currently being used to develop chargers and EM Armor electronics.

CVRC: Accomplishments in FY12 included:
• Productive semiannual reviews were conducted in East Lansing in June 2012 and December 2012.
• The CVRC Industrial Consortium has grown to having 52 attendees at a meeting at Dow Chemical in December 2012. This group has developed a proposal to apply for National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) funding with CVRC serving as the academic partner.
• The CVRC continues to host several academic, government, and industrial visitors, with CVRC serving as a central hub for composites vehicle research and technologies that support the efforts of sister organizations.
• CVRC and the MSU College of Engineering hosted TARDEC leadership July 2012, and this successful visit resulted in follow-up projects and educational program discussions with TARDEC research personnel.

SPECIFICATION DEVELOPMENT OF FRONTAL CRASH PULSE FOR MILITARY VEHICLES — OCP TECD PROGRAM: As a part of the OCP-TECD initiative to develop standards and specifications, TARDEC Analytics EECS M&S team members worked with the TARDEC/OCP Standards Team to propose a generic frontal crash pulse (deceleration time history curve) for military vehicles. Specification of such a pulse has a two-fold purpose: • For the OEM or vehicle designer, it serves as the target deceleration to achieve as they design the front end of the vehicle to crush appropriately.
• For the developers of safety technologies such as seats, restraints, sensors, airbags, etc., it is the deceleration pulse that the subsystem needs to help manage energy.
In other words, during initial product development, the frontal pulse specification is the common interface goal for the vehicle developer and the subsystem technology providers. The proposed deceleration pulse is a sinusoidal waveform similar to the generic American Automobile Manufacturers Association pulse used in the auto industry, but has a higher peak value of 35g and lasts a lower duration of 62 milliseconds; and corresponds to running head-on into a frontal barrier with an initial velocity of 30 mph. As more information from deceleration pulses of military and heavy truck vehicles becomes available, the design pulse spec will be modified accordingly. The proposed pulse was also reviewed with, and concurred by, Dr Harold Bud Mertz, who is a distinguished safety expert from the automotive industry and provides expert consultation to the OCP TECD team.

TARDEC’s Dynamics and Structures Team provided Survivability with Vertical Step performance results (with and without objective gunner protection kit) for a “24-degree” V-hull design by TC Designs for the M1151 HMMWV. Modifications to the original setup were required to work with the PBS queuing system. A copy of /usr/lib/libstdc++.so.5 was made to a local user directory since PBS’s /usr/lib only contains libstdc++.so.6. Effectively, there is no ground clearance. It was recommended not to proceed further with analysis of this design. In response to TC Design’s disagreement with the dimensions used, the Dynamics and Structures Team provided Survivability with the response that “the reduction in ground clearance is still not feasible from a mobility standpoint. Variances in the tire and suspension deflections (due to weather and wear, etc.) could account for such a small difference.”

Work began in earnest on foundational activities to include development of essential OC design databases (injury, accommodation); M&S capabilities (human reference, blast on the move); and lab capabilities (head impact tester, crew compartment blast simulator). Research into interior and exterior technologies in support of OC design is validating current concepts and yielding new ones. Work began on identifying requirements, capabilities and concepts for the TEC-D demonstrators, and a concept of the OC standard was developed.

TARDEC performed underhood cooling M&S capability for assessing heat exchanger performance and cooling fan power consumption taking into account overall system restriction including ballistic grills. The physics based M&S tool uses the state of art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The simulation tool complements full load cooling vehicle level testing and facilitate assessment of mobility requirements taking into account engine heat rejection, transmission heat rejection, hydraulic oil cooling and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning heat loads.

TARDEC develops in-house infrared signature modeling and simulation (M&S) capability in support of the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) program, with radar cross section (RSC) signature analysis capability developed later. Such analysis capability allows assessment of signature requirements compliance, supports requirements development, and informs the provision of signature-related design guidance for production vehicle programs and subsequent vehicle enhancements.

Public-Private-Partnership with General Motors to conduct long term testing of hydrogen fuel cell short stacks at the Detroit Arsenal.

9kW Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) was developed to meet the requirements of the M1A2 Abrams SEP V3 tank.

TARDEC partnered with the the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program, via their Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and Environments (CREATE) effort, to produce new, physics-based, virtual prototyping tools for ground vehicle design that run on the Program’s Supercomputing Resource Centers assets. Under the umbrella name of CREATE-GV, two tools are currently being created/fielded: Mercury – a high-fidelity, multi-physics simulation tool for vehicle systems and components, and the Mobility Analysis Tool (MAT) – an analysis tool to evaluate ground vehicle soft soil performance.

Durability Test Lab (DTL) grand opening of the Vehicle Characterization Lab (VCL). VCL contains 3 individual test rigs to characterize vehicles and components including Kinematics and Compliance, Vehicle Inertial Properties, and Rolling Resistance. The VCL enables vehicle/component-level characterization testing on both wheeled and tracked vehicles, and provides reverse engineering data to add fidelity to physics based Modeling and Simulation (M&S).

The neXtECU, a common real-time controller is developed and used to run the in-house developed software for potential common powertrain use across Army ground vehicles.

TARDEC conducted its first Soldier Experimental Gaming & Analysis (SEGA) Virtual Experiment to determine if first-person gaming simulations could be an effective way to draw out Warfighter feedback on future system/technology concepts. The initial experiment utilized the Next Generation Close Combat Vehicle (NGCCV) concepts, was conducted at Brigade Modernization Command (BMC) at Ft. Bliss and included 24 Soldier participants.

During FY14 the MAPS program was awarded a charter from RDECOM. MAPS is using a strict systems engineering approach to program execution. The program has passed through the TARGET process Gate 1, with a comprehensive Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), completed Stakeholder Needs Review and, has completed the majority of tasks for a successful Systems Requirements Review (SRR). MAPS developed a program structure which incorporated a series of Integrated Product Teams (IPT), across RDECOM, which focuses on key elements of the effort. Multiple Requests For Information (RFI) were released by the respective IPTs to gather and assess current state of the art of development and technology pertinent to MAPS. Key contracts were prepared and have been initiated for protocol analysis and MAC development. In FY14 the MAPS program held an Industry Day meeting/event on two separate occasions (April and August) to kept industry current on the Army’s direction and progress.

Development of a prototype crew extinguishing system for the CAMEL demonstrator began. GVS&P worked with Lawrence Technological University (LTU) to create a military standard on flammability, smoke and toxicity requirements for ground vehicle materials and was completed in FY15. TARDEC provided technical support to PM-Bradley as part of its ECP 2 AFES modernization effort. In that program, modifications and upgrades to the existing Bradley crew and engine fire extinguishing and detection systems are being developed. One of the goals is to use fewer extinguishing agents to ease the logistical burden. TARDEC/GVS&P continues to reduce the fire vulnerability of vehicle fuel tanks by improving materials and construction techniques.

The GVS&P Laser Protection team concluded a 5-year, Joint TARDEC/ARL/CERDEC effort to design, build, and test a demonstrator which performs the functionality of a Gunner’s Sight while also providing advanced protection from lasers. Field testing confirmed that the Gunner’s Sight demonstrator meets or exceeds its program threshold requirements. The hardware design also demonstrated the integration of a color day camera into a fire control sight. Recently, the team successfully conducted laser exposure field trials at ARL-SLAD’s Electro-Optic Vulnerability Facility located at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Several different protection material configurations were tested against a range of laser parameters and atmospheric conditions, allowing GVSC to down-select to a single preferred solution for both eye and day-camera protection. The design took a modular approach to the integration of protection materials, allowing future upgrade of the material to increase performance or address new threats. Following +2,000 laser data shots, using several wavelengths at various power levels, GVS&P has a solution for the PM to consider under their ECP program.

Electrified Armor Laboratory (EAL): The EAL developed technologies and methods to advance pulse-power based armor components, subsystems and systems; investigates and analyzes new adaptive armor technologies; and provides depot-level nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of various types of vehicle armor structural health, real-time assessment of armor using optical and ultrasonic embedded sensors. EAL research can be applied to any system requiring pulse power systems and electro-mechanical features. Low voltage electromechanical actuator (EMA) control system testing, high-voltage bench top testing is expected in FY15. For in-house NDE, the lab has ultrasonic transducer characterization equipment, infrared imaging, a millimeter wave imaging table and a Nano electronic, spintronic and metamaterials testing station. Benefits of the EAL include: electrified armor protection to defeat threats at reduced weight; adaptive armor to integrate multiple armor technologies, increasing protection at a reduced weight; real-time health monitoring of opaque or transparent armor without detaching the armor from the vehicle; armor-embedded radio communications to protect antenna from damage and conceal mission purpose; embedded radar detection and microwave energy harvesting on the battlefield.

The Survivability Armor Blast Laboratory (SABL) provides independent analysis, ballistic testing, data collection, data reduction and qualification of current and advanced armors. The SABL provides the ability to launch a wide range of foreign small arms, kinetic energy threats (up to 30 mm), fragment simulating projectiles (FSP) and ballistic weld projectiles at test-specific velocities. The lab is used to conduct Automotive Tank Purchase Description (ATPD) 2352 First-Article Testing (FAT) and Production Control Testing (PCT), and to support government and customer-directed research in armor development. The SABL also conducts failure analysis with use of a high-speed video capture system up to 60,000 feet per second, 10 microseconds rendering, and a flash X-ray system. Existing equipment includes an environmental conditioning chamber, full machine shop, a welding lab, flash X-ray, and high-speed video. Benefits of the SABL include: increased crew survivability due to a standard benchmark that all transparent armor is measured against; reduced transparent armor acquisition costs due to more competition; improved consistent ballistic performance; reduced life-cycle costs; International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 accredited.

VAL: The VAL is a multifunctional facility that focuses on composite materials research, development, fabrication and integration. The VAL is a combination of two different areas: a 1,000-square-foot environmentally controlled room for fabric cutting, specimen preparation and test control, and a 6,000-square-foot open bay space containing test and fabrication equipment. The VAL has the capability to design and build composite systems for structural, armor and general vehicle applications. Through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and a computer-controlled cutting table, VAL engineers/technicians can rapidly fabricate custom-sized and custom-shaped composite panels. For parts containing metal, ceramic or especially thick section composites, the VAL has a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) router, automated wet table saw, curing oven and walk-in freezer for storage of specialty materials.

Advanced Combat Vehicle Armor Development (ACVAD): During FY14, dc to dc chargers, pulse chargers, power brick batteries, solid state switches and enclosures were designed and built to equip a vehicle with electrified armor. Lab testing was completed on the system using surrogate electrical loads.

TVAD: During FY14, the TVAD program produced two TRL 4 b-kit armor solutions. The first was a TARDEC developed lower-cost, weight-neutral solution and the second was an ARL developed higher-cost, lighter weight solution. MIL-STD-810 testing on the TARDEC developed solution is underway with completion slated for Dec of 2014. A report containing the data gathered from industry via a request for information in 2013 was completed, containing information on currently available stand-alone b-kit armor solutions that defeat the LTAS threat set in support of PM TS and PM JLTV. Additionally, the updating of Armor Handbook MIL-HDBK-690(AT) was initiated and will be delivered to the PM’s in May of 2015.

Transparent Armor: During 2014, TARDEC engineers researched methods on repair of superficial damage to transparent armor, including stone impacts and scratches. Furthermore, in partnership with Oakland University Fastening and Joining Research Institute, TARDEC developed and executed a design of experiment (DoE) to target the principle causes of delamination of transparent armor.

Mechanical Countermine Team: During FY14, the EHP program accomplished the following; fabrication of roller and WNS assets by Michigan Technological University Keweenaw Research Center, Developmental Testing conducted at Yuma Test Center, succeeded in higher levels of effectiveness against the pressure plate and command wire IED threat while maintaining host platform mobility, and development of Technical Data Packages. Weekly teleconferences were held to maintain the schedule for design, fabrication and test. In addition, the EHP roller and WNS were successful transition over to Product manager for the remainder of the life cycle.

Interior Blast Mitigation Team: The GVS&P Interior Blast Mitigation Team evaluated 12 different styles of blast energy-attenuating seats using a vertical accelerative drop tower. Three sizes of Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATD, crash test dummies) representing the central 90 percentile Warfighter population were used and dropped at two different heights on the drop tower. Results from the data analysis provided GSS engineers with insight regarding the capability of commercially-available and prototype blast seats to protect the size range of Warfighters exposed to vertical accelerative simulated threat pulses.

Interior Blast mitigation team: a new physical seat measurement tool was developed to include a back angle measurement to ensure the Warfighter is fully accommodated and protected in the seat regardless of the amount gear worn.

The GSS Interior Blast Mitigation Team utilized the Soldier System Interface Impactor (SSII) Laboratory located at the SANGB Occupant Protection Laboratory to evaluate vehicle interior energy attenuating material technologies for mitigating head injuries resulting from head impacts during mine/IED, vehicle crash and rollover events.

The TARDEC WIAMan Anthropomorphic Test Device Product Team (ATD PT) developed the ATD design requirements and anthropometry specifications that will be used by the contractor to develop the WIAMan ATD. The design of the WIAMan ATD is critical to providing the capability to predict likely injury to the Warfighter in under body blast events and developing mitigating technologies. The Design Concept was completed and the TDP was delivered by the contractor.

UltraLight Vehicle Program: At the end of FY14, the ULV Phase II contracts to test and evaluate (T&E) the light tactical demonstrators, i.e. the ULV Research Prototypes, concluded. FY14 focused on completing survivability, reliability, availability & maintainability (RAM), and automotive performance tests on the ULV test articles.

OCP-CAMEL: In early 2014 the TARDEC OCP TECD team executed a successful 4x, offset blast test on the CAMEL Lower Hull. Post-test evaluation concluded the hull did not breach and permanent deformation was minimal. The stroking floor systems performed as intended and the COTS seat EA devices were observed to function accordingly. Thorough data and post-test analysis was conducted and shared with our ARL and DARPA partners. During the summer of 2014 GVSC Ground System Survivability associates conducted an overmatch blast event of 5x on the OCP CAMEL Demonstrator at Aberdeen Test Center. The CAMEL program is targeting zero occupant injuries at the 2.5x-4x blast levels. Results showed zero occupant injuries assessed which is extremely impressive considering that lower leg injuries have historically been accepted at these blast levels.

Blast Mat P-Spec: In FY14, GVS&P developed the Energy Attenuating Floor Mat Material Performance Specification for use in defining the requirements for the Energy-Attenuating (EA) Floor Mat Materials and identifying reporting procedures to be used for requirements verification. GVS&P also developed the first of several guidebooks for developing EA Floor Systems. When completed, the guidebooks will be linked to establish the overarching EA Floor Systems solution development process.

The Joint Operational Energy Initiative (JOEI), under TARDEC, uses system of systems (SoS) modeling and simulation (M&S) to model, analyze, and assess 2nd and 3rd order impacts to inform Science and Technology (S&T) investments. Using the System of Systems Analysis Toolset (SoSAT), a detailed SoS stochastic M&S tool, in concert with the Fully Burdened Cost Tool (FBCT), the JOEI team developed a library of operational scenario models that are used to analyze the impacts of alternative technologies and operational concepts.

TARDEC fabricated and developed a standard test to determine the bulk modulus of a fuel over a wide range of pressures and temperatures, resulting in a new Federal Test Method. Fuel bulk modulus (or ability to compress) can have a significant effect on engine timing and, therefore, power production. This is the first time that a standardized method of bulk modulus testing has been developed.

Fuel Cell All Terrain Transport (FCATT) – Fuel cell integration and build completed in-house to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell capabilities. Demonstrated at several military installations.

Developed and demonstrated a 600V Li-ion battery with less than 15L in volume for pulse power applications. This effort will serve as the template for future high voltage battery development programs.

CVP- 1. Coordinated with The Lightweight Structures and Underbody Blast teams to agree upon a notional base structure for the ACT3176, Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) concept vehicle. This base structure is an all-aluminum monocoque design utilizing a combination for 7000-series aluminum alloys for the upper and lower hull. 2. Down-selected to a single Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) solution path forward. Material cost, system performance, risk, transition-ability to current platforms, and compatibility with the CVP Hull, Frame, Body, Cab (HFBC) technologies were all considered in the selection. 3. TRL 4 armor designs for KE/CE protection were developed, tested, and validated for ballistic performance against CVP requirements. 4. The team also developed a modular pulse power supply system for use in electrified armors. During FY15, power brick battery development continued and testing confirmed that the unit will meet requirements for energy levels and timing required for the electrified armor system to defeat threats of interest. Solid state switches and enclosures were fabricated and demonstrated acceptable shock-mounting for vehicle application. Finally, a complete integrated Electro-Magnetic Armor (EMA) system was designed, fabricated, and installed on an existing combat vehicle for use in durability testing.

Transparent Armor – PM MRAP – GVSP and ARL continued to work jointly to investigate real-time weathering of Transparent Armor (TA) and corroborate these results with accelerated environmental testing. Several TA designs using different integration schemes were fabricated in FY14 and installed at a beach weathering facility at NASA-Cape Canaveral for long-term environmental exposure (3+ years). Cape Canaveral has a hostile environment (hot, humid, salt mist). NASA-KSC personnel monitored the test weekly and trained inspectors from TARDEC performed periodic evaluations during FY15 and will continue into FY16. The goal is to observe long-term weathering effects on the TA and corroborate the results with data obtained from accelerated environmental testing of TA.

Mechanical Countermine: In FY15 TARDEC Mechanical Countermine team developed, fabricated, and evaluated/commissioned the rail sled test rig to improve the fidelity of the current research tool set for advancements in effective evaluation methods to defeat current and emerging threats. Features of the test rig include; electrically actuated drum brakes, on board AC and DC power, Doppler radar speed sensor, shear beam load cell and varieties of other instrumentation.

Bear Claw: In FY15 GVSP Mechanical Countermine team developed a dismounted counter–IED roller with integrated mechanical / non-mechanical hardware that can expose or pre-detonate explosive hazards at the discretion of the operator. This design method targeted keeping the rake blades free from organic matter and mud to maintain the system’s effectiveness and mobility.

CAMEL: The CAMEL Demonstrator was subjected to a series of user evaluations at Fort Bliss in July, 2015 to evaluate the occupant accommodation requirements. Soldier feedback proved the system to be more than adequate in accommodating needs for the Soldier population, individual gear sets, desired vehicle equipment and ease of ingress/egress. Surveys were also completed for individual technologies such as seats, restraints, 360 degree situational awareness and the CAMEL indirect driving system.

CAMEL program developed 4 Blast assets that underwent a series of 4x under body blast events. Testing occurred June – October 2015 testing the most vulnerable locations on the vehicle to investigate occupant assessed injury criteria to blast loading, and vehicle structural integrity. During these tests, the CAMEL was outfitted with 9 dismount and 2 crew Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) ranging from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male and wearing the range of gear configurations. After the first two tests, a couple seat modifications were addressed and during the 3rd and 4th shots, zero occupant injuries were assessed.

HFBC: HFBC technologies include Hull (Lightweight Low Deformation and Structural Support), Underbody Solutions, Advanced Floor, Lightweight Modular Multi-Axis Seats, Active Blast Mitigation System (ABMS) Integration and Lightweight materials. HFBC has developed an initial concept for a combat vehicle demonstrator to meet Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) program’s requirements. This concept is based on the detailed work completed by the technology areas such as Active Blast Development and Performance Characterization, Low Deformation Concepts, Advanced Floors Development, Blast Mat P-Spec and Floor System Guidebook, and utilizes the laboratory capabilities at the Occupant Protection Lab (OP Lab). The HFBC team has started and will continue to make trades to optimize vertical space for the central 90th solider population, blast mitigation technologies, weight and other Tier 0/1 technologies.

Active Blast Mitigation System (ABMS): Active blast-mitigation systems (ABMS) are designed to induce a counter-impulse to a vehicle that has been subjected to an underbody blast event by explosively discharging a counter-mass upward. ABMS was integrated and tested on the TARDEC MECV-S prototype in March 2015. The test setup was replicated from the original MECV-S tests executed by PD-LTV so that we may utilize those results as a baseline. The test was executed without issues, as the ABMS integrated MECV-S reduced the jump height, ATD injuries, and seat stroke. This demonstrated that an ABMS integration has the potential to improve occupant survivability.

CVP-Low deformation Hull: One of the critical failure modes during an underbelly blast is excessive hull deformation impacting the crew floor which can directly lead to occupant injuries that cannot be mitigated through the use of EA seating or flooring technologies. The Structures technology team in Ground Systems Survivability has performed a standoff study, underbody shape study, plate thickness study, and developed some CVP designs based on the results of those studies

Blast Mat: GVSP developed the Energy Attenuating Floor Mat Material Performance Specification for use in defining the requirements for the Energy-Attenuating (EA) Floor Mat Materials and identifying reporting procedures to be used for requirements verification. GVSP also developed the first of several guidebooks for developing EA Floor Systems. When completed, the guidebooks will be linked to establish the overarching EA Floor Systems solution development process.

Advanced Floors: During FY15, the team characterized the floor energy absorption requirements as related to eIARV tibia injuries, reviewed and selected designs for maturation, converted selected designs to meet CVP requirements, and developed more advanced, powered conceptual designs.

CCUBS: The Occupant Protection Lab (OP Lab) Crew Compartment Underbody Blast Simulator (CCUBS) – to be located at the Occupant Protection Lab at Selfridge (SANGB) – is a test device used to evaluate vehicle crew compartments in simulated underbody mine blasts and IED events. The CCUBS consists of a large platform with four seat-and occupant positions. During tests, engineers can place common equipment such as steering columns, radio racks and other Government Furnished Equipment on the platform. The CCUBS is scheduled to be operational in second quarter FY17.

Sub-System Drop Tower (SSDT): In FY15, the SSDT was replaced with a larger, higher performance tower capable of testing impulses up to 1,000g- 2ms, with a payload of up to 2,000 lbs. The OP Lab provides a range of Hybrid III Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) – or crash test dummies – equipped with internal instrumentation to record load data in the head, neck, spine, thorax and legs. The lab also features a full range of external instrumentation including accelerometers, load cells, string potentiometers and high speed video cameras.

In FY15, the Floor Interface Technology Accelerator (FITA) was designed, fabricated and installed at the OP Lab. The FITA is a test device used to evaluate vehicle floor energy absorbing materials for performance in simulated underbody mine and IED blasts. The FITA consists of a rigidly mounted seat with a pneumatically actuated piston. During tests, engineers can quickly evaluate the performance of candidate floor padding materials prior to more extensive testing on other OP Lab test fixtures or in live fire events.

IIPS: The GSS Interior Blast Mitigation Team and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) Team conducted a sled test to simulate a frontal crash event using 3-point and 5-point safety belt restraints with and without pre-tensioners and load limiting and airbags. Occupant sizes and gear loads used during the sled testing ranged to include the 5th percentile female ATD, the 50th percentile male ATD with and without gear sets, and the 95th percentile male ATD with a fully burden gear set. A successful trail full vehicle frontal crash and rollover test using HMMWV platform was conducted with the introduction of airbag and restraint feasibility and optimization.

The GSS Interior Blast Mitigation Team leveraged knowledge gleaned from WIAMan to purchase the Component Impact Simulator (CIS) test fixture located at SANGB Occupant Protection Laboratory. The CIS is used to evaluate sub components of occupant body region’s interaction with the vehicle’s interior structures during blast, crash, and rollover. Through the head impact testing that was conducted at OPL, it was understood that the neck needs to be protected during UBB events.

WIAMan : First component articles of the WIAMan Technology Demonstrator have been delivered for early biofidelity assessment by prime contractor DTS. The ATD PT has partnered with the WIAMan T&E PT to develop test plans and provide on-site support for iterative testing for the cervical spine, lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower leg assemblies. The cervical spine and pelvis were fabricated and tested in FY15; the lumbar spine and lower leg fabrication and testing are scheduled to be complete in early FY16.

Seating Measurement Devices: The Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) program interior is being designed using the SAE J826 H-Point (H-Pt) location to position the occupants within the vehicle for maximum capability to perform their respective functions and fit within the interior. The H-Point manikin is not always able to be used to validate and verify the seats due to space constraints or shape of the seat because it was developed for automotive seating. Working with the University of Michigan Transportation and Research Institute (UMTRI) and alternate device was developed and evaluated for use when the SAE J826 H-Point manikin is not able to be utilized. This device is based on the ISO 5353 Seat Index Point (SIP) with an added custom back-angle measurement probe to create the Seat Index Point Tool (SIPT).

Sled and Roll-over Testing: Utilizing the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE) Sled and Rollover equipment, two variants of GSS seats (COTS Baseline Seat and CVP Modular Seat) were tested for product and occupant survivability. Sled Testing was performed at the TARDEC Sled Pulse (within corridor of FMVSS 213; 30 mph) for both forward and lateral impact. Rollover Testing was performed at the maximum capability of the CAPE equipment (95o at a rate of 143 deg/sec) for forward and lateral rollover.

Drop Tower Testing: Utilizing the TARDEC SSDT and an add-on off-axis fixture, the CVP Modular Seat was tested at 350g (9 m/s Delta V). The fixture simulates a 15o off-axis input to the seat by utilizing a hinged platform held in place by a shear pin that breaks upon impact of the drop tower carriage landing at the desired 15o angle.

MAPS: During FY15 the MAPS program accomplished many milestones. MAPS is using a strict systems engineering approach for program execution. The program completed a successful Systems Requirements Review (SRR) and completed all close out tasks. A successful System Functional Review (SFR) was conducted in June. The team entered this review with no “red” entrance criteria. The discussion during the review meeting centered on the MAPS system model and the initial logical architectures that will be used to analyze Active Protection Systems (APS) modular design and define the Modular APS Framework (MAF).

Fire Protection: In response to theater and PM needs, GVSP initiated the Common AFES (automatic fire extinguishing system) program to reduce the logistics burden related to supporting a wide and growing variety of fire extinguishing systems in the field. Several common extinguisher designs for combat and tactical vehicles with potentially lower lifecycle costs were developed. Vehicle qualification testing of six different extinguisher configurations delivered by suppliers was also completed at Aberdeen Test Center in FY15. Critical Design Review (CDR) for Occupant Centric Protection (OCP)-Camel AFES that includes a prototype crew extinguishing system with Pratt and Miller Engineering was also completed.

Laser Protection: During FY15, the Laser Protection team initiated contract actions to begin work on the survey of day camera systems, in order to prioritize those systems so that the most valuable could be looked at for laser protection integration. Work was also initiated with DRS Technologies, the OEM for the Bradley IBAS gun sight, to perform a feasibility study on integration of laser protection concepts into that subsystem. Boeing also continued to work on concepts for laser protection material stabilization and material flow techniques.

Durability Test Lab (DTL) acquired a high accumulation vertical actuated tracked vehicle suspension durability and characterization test rig. This capability allows the Durability Test Lab (DTL) the ability to input real road and hull loads into suspension subsystems and characterize the dampening and loads seen, while also exercising it under real life loads to identify failure modes.

Tactical Vehicle to Grid and Vehicle to Vehicle (V2G / V2V) system demonstrated the capability to supply standard 208V/120V 3ØAC Power to a very large AC load while realizing a reduction in fuel consumption as compared to a comparably-sized generator.

For the first time, TARDEC qualified and approved for use in military ground equipment, blends of petroleum-derived jet fuel containing hydrocarbons synthesized from non-petroleum resources. In addition, the organization successfully advocated for the inclusion of a minimum derived cetane number requirement for these blends in the specification for military jet fuel, ensuring these jet fuels blends had the ignition quality needed for compression-ignition engines to more easily start when cold and run more smoothly while operating.

SQUAD: The SQUAD Project was a two year, $1.4M, OSD funded, GVSP executed, S&T effort that explored the art of the possible in integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to ground vehicles to enhance Warfighter ISR capabilities and provide the crew of a vehicle the ability to detect enemy aerial threats. OSD funded TARDEC, SPAWAR, AMRDEC, ARDEC and the University of Michigan to provided expertise and support developing 4 demos for CY17. The demos showcased: Takeoff and landing from a military vehicle, intelligent area search with a quadcopter, optical detection of enemy UAS via camera on quadcopter and integration to the MFoCS in-vehicle computer. Through this effort TARDEC gained the capability to fly experimental UAS at Selfridge Air National Guard base, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Dearborn and built a capability to integrate UAS to multiple models of vehicles. In FY17 SQUAD worked with SCCM and VEA’s VMD to into demonstrator vehicles they built.

HFBC: The HFBC started fabrication of the HFBC blast bucks which is the first hardware build and integration of all technologies developed under this effort. The HFBC team has fabricated lower and upper hull components which will be friction stir welded and gas metal arc welded together to make the lightweight hull. The underbody solution material has been purchased and fabrication will start mid FY17. Final designs for the Advanced Floor, Lightweight Modular Multi-Axis Seats, and Active Blast Mitigation System (ABMS) integration have been finalized and fabrication will start in early FY17. The HFBC blast bucks will be blast tested at the end of FY17.

Blast Mat Tests: In FY16, GVS&P developed a test method to characterize the protection level of blast mats. This method will determine the velocity range at which a blast mat is expected to provide protection to a vehicle occupant. Initial testing was conducted using this method. Unfortunately, the test device was unable to perform as expected. However, the testing still yielded useful data which has helped to improve our understanding of blast mat performance. Future work will include improving the test device, examining alternative test devices, and conducting further testing a blast mat characterization.

Seat Measurement Device: The Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) program interior was being designed using the SAE J826 H-Point (H-Pt) location to position the occupants within the vehicle for maximum capability to perform their respective functions and fit within the interior. The H-Point manikin was not always able to be used to validate and verify the seats due to space constraints or shape of the seat because it was developed for automotive seating. Working with the University of Michigan Transportation and Research Institute (UMTRI) and alternate device was developed and evaluated for use when the SAE J826 H-Point manikin was not able to be utilized. This device was based on the O 5353 Seat Index Point (SIP) with an added custom back-angle measurement probe to create the Seat Index Point Tool (SIPT). The SIPT was evaluated against the H-Point manikin and was found to be a reasonable substitute for the H-Pt manikin when needed due to constraints. The full report and procedure was documented in “Evaluation of the Seat Index Point Tool for Military Seats”

Drop Tower Testing: Utilizing the TARDEC Sub-System Drop Tower (SSDT), two variants of GSS seats CVP Crew and Squad variants were tested at both 200g (6 m/s Delta V) and 350g (9 m/s Delta V) vertical inputs. Seats were powered to provide adaptive energy attenuation performance based on occupant weight. Both variants performed favorably compared with the COTS seats in all configurations, and are meeting the CVP requirements.

Sled & Rollover Testing: : Utilizing the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE) Sled equipment, two variants of GSS seats CVP Crew and Squad variants) were tested for product and occupant survivability. Sled Testing was performed at the TARDEC Sled Pulse (within corridor of FMVSS 213; 30 mph) for both forward and lateral impact. As in the RMS testing, the seats were run without power input providing worse case results. The CVP Modular Seat fully survived every test, with many components remaining undamaged.

Generic Hull Testing: The team performed Generic Hull (GH) 5, GH6 and GH7 blast experiments during FY15. Working with other GSS IBMT members, the generic hulls were prepped and shipped to Ft. Polk for testing. The TARDEC Analytics team assisted to determine the blast effects on the hulls. The team collaborated with ERDC on final preparations of the hull for blasting and scheduled the hull for tests. These experiments provided data to the Analytics team to validate their blast models, provided an opportunity for ERDC to collect soil and crater information and enabled ATD data correlation between blast and OPC drop tower data with the GSS seats. Test results will be shared with the COTS seat manufactures.

OP Lab: The Occupant Protection Lab (OP Lab) Crew Compartment Underbody Blast Simulator (CCUBS) – to be located at the Occupant Protection Lab at Selfridge (SANGB) – is a test device used to evaluate vehicle crew compartments in simulated underbody mine blasts and IED events. The CCUBS consists of a large platform with four seat-and occupant positions. During tests, engineers can place common equipment such as steering columns, radio racks and other Government Furnished Equipment on the platform.

The pneumatically actuated CCUBS device will be capable of testing impulses up to 350g-5ms on a global level. The total payload is 2,200 lbs. The CCUBS will also be capable of testing slam-down impulses up to 90g-20ms. The OP Lab will use Hybrid III Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) – or crash test dummies – with internal instrumentation to record load data in the head, neck, spine, thorax and legs. The lab also features a full range of external instrumentation including accelerometers, load cells, string potentiometers and high-speed video cameras to meet customer needs.

Sub-System Drop Tower (SSDT): The SSDT is capable of testing impulses up to 1,000g- 2ms, with a payload of up to 2,000 lbs. The OP Lab provides a range of Hybrid III Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) – or crash test dummies – equipped with internal instrumentation to record load data in the head, neck, spine, thorax and legs. The lab also features a full range of external instrumentation including accelerometers, load cells, string potentiometers and high speed video cameras.

In FY16, there were seven (7) major tests conducted on the Drop Tower which ultimately totaled over 100 Drop Tower drops. These tests involved an air cushion seat test, GSS modular seats and restraints, M88 seats, Qinetiq ShockRide, Med-Eng, and BAE seats, WIAMan testing, H-point measurement study and GSS shock characterization tests.

Active Blast Mitigation: Griffin 2.0 Concept: From December 2015 through the end of January 2016, the Griffin 2.0 concept vehicle was integrated with TenCate Advanced Armor’s ABDS and evaluated for survivability performance during two significant blast events; 6X and 8X respectively. A baseline 6X event without ABMS integrated and a 6X with ABMS integrated was directly compared to each other to measure survivability performance. Another test was performed at the 8X level with ABMS integrated. The Griffin 2.0 concept vehicle, a modified version of the TARDEC and CORVID Technologies designed Griffin 1.0, is of similar size as an MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV). For the ABMS integration project, the cab of the vehicle was modified to survive a tremendous blast load. Originally, the Griffin 1.0 cab was constructed from AL 2139 and featured a monoqocue design. Griffin 2.0 replaced the 2.5 inch thick 2139 AL underbody with a 3 inch thick (1 inch plat increments) Weldox 900 steel (RHA class 2) underbody kit designed to survive twice the load. A de-coupled floor was featured in the Griffin 2.0 and implements the use of 10 Energy Absorption (EA) devices around the perimeter of the vehicle interior that isolate movement both laterally and vertically. Jankel BLASTechtm mark 2.5 seating systems were also featured in the concept. Overall, the ABMS and decoupled floor technology integration reduced the amount of global impulse delivered to the vehicle from the blast. Between the two 6X threat evaluations, the reduction in global impulse (approximately a 60% reduction) significantly mitigated occupant injury numbers. Core injury metrics during the 6X events were reduced between 15-56%. As for the test utilizing the 8X threat, the occupant injury numbers were similar to the baseline 6X threat event. An integration of an ABMS and a decoupled floor demonstrated an increase in overall occupant survivability installed within a rigid vehicle structure.

Fire Protection: The Fire Protection Team initiated a three-year research effort aimed at reducing the use and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are high global warming potential (GWP) gases. Many refrigerants and fire suppression agents are HFCs including HFC-227ea and HFC-125 used in Army ground vehicle fire suppression systems. The effort is evaluating the technical feasibility of potential low GWP fire extinguishing agents for ground vehicles and aviation weapon systems that can guide future research and procurement activities and assess the need for regulatory exemptions and/or a strategic reserve of high GWP fire suppressants if low GWP agents are not feasible. The Team also supported flammability testing of candidate refrigerants against military-unique threats.

Fire Protection: The Fire Protection Team coordinated with TRADOC to develop vehicle fuel tank fire protection requirements. The range of available fuel tank protection technologies and test results were reviewed. Draft fuel tank protection requirements have been prepared for consideration in future vehicle specifications that could be tailored to the individual vehicle’s intended mission and anticipated threats. A military specification for vehicle fuel tank protection was also being pursued. Additionally, the Team prepared a report for the Congressional Defense Committees regarding ‘Fuel Tank Requirements to Prevent Fires and Secondary Explosions from Combat Actions.’ MIL-HDBK-684, Design of Combat Vehicles for Fire Survivability, was being updated to incorporate lessons learned over the last 20 years. This was the first revision of the handbook since its initial release in 1995. The update reflected advances in the art of vehicle fire protection as well as lessons learned from recent conflicts. It addressed current threats, operational requirements, survivability criteria, vehicle design and materials, fire protection approaches, and test and evaluation methods that enhance the survivability of combat vehicles and their crews. The Fire Protection Team drew on the expertise of other TARDEC organizations as well as other Government agencies to provide an up-to-date guide for designers and program managers to incorporate fire survivability techniques throughout the ground vehicle life cycle.

In FY16 TARDEC Mechanical Countermine team conducted testing and evaluation of sub components to support development of the Advanced Countermine payloads for use on a heavy tracked vehicle. These subcomponents were critical to better identify the impact loads that could be transmitted back to the structural interface of the host platform and achieve the desired effectiveness. The subcomponents included an updated roller bank and trailing arms designed to absorb the shock and high impact loads while encountering obstacles such as a 10 inch half round. In FY16 TARDEC Mechanical Countermine demonstrated the Polaris conversion kit. This conversion kit allows a COTs and widely used Polaris MRZR to take on a new purpose. The conversion kit when adapted with a robotic applique system allows a Polaris MRZR to be optionally manned, and when desired can be robotically controlled; however the conversion kit enables the platform to carry the intended Soldier/squad load much more effectively.

CVP Armor: Live fire ballistic testing of the lightweight reactive armor integration and attachment designs at ATC were successful. The attachments mechanisms were able to keep adjacent armor tiles attached to the fixture after extreme loading by the armor blast wave. This was the first successful attachment test utilizing composite enclosures for the reactive armor, and is a major step in the development cycle. This provides necessary baseline data as environmental testing occurs for TRL 5 validation in FY17. Risk Reduction Testing: Performed risk reduction testing of environmentally exposed reactive armor enclosures. The enclosures were placed in chambers for exposure to solar radiation, thermal cycling, and contamination by fluids and acidic atmosphere. The enclosures were then tested to determine if there was collateral damage degradation resulting from the exposures. There was no noticeable difference in the performance when compared to the pristine baseline testing. These results provide further confidence in the current designs and reduce risk for TRL 5 testing.

Electromagnetic Armor Lab (EAL): The new EAL was completed and the team was granted occupancy at the end of FY16. The new lab space allows high-voltage operations in support of electromagnetic and adaptive armor research and development. The EAL’s design is equipped for drone operations in the lab that will complement the Counter UAS efforts funded through the DoD. This work will soon bring a Bradley Fighting Vehicle into the lab for integration of a drone enclosure. The EAL supported a 1000 hour test of EM armor on a STRYKER vehicle at ATC for road testing. The EAL is currently holding the Low Risk EMA module, venetian blind, layer cake, and several kinds of adaptive armor. Improvements and actuation implementation are being worked in the EAL on adaptive armors.

EAL: We conducted temperature tests with high voltage, pulse forming polypropylene (PP) capacitors (TR #27269). There was a reduction in capacitance and increase in dissipation factor (DF) of capacitors measured before and after the temperature test. The obtained test results confirmed that high voltage pulse forming capacitors, manufactured by NWL and GA, were durable and could withstand temperature changes, within operational range, in a real battlefield environment. The self-healing high voltage pulse forming capacitors will facilitate electro-magnetic armor (EMA).

Situational Awareness and Active Countermeasures Using Quadcopters (SQUAD): The SQUAD Project was a two year, $1.4M, OSD funded, TARDEC executed S&T effort that explored the art of the possible in integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to ground vehicles to enhance Warfighter ISR capabilities and provide the crew of a vehicle the ability to detect enemy aerial threats. OSD funded GVSC, SPAWAR, AMRDEC, ARDEC and the University of Michigan to provide expertise and support developing 4 demos for CY17. The demos showcased: Takeoff and landing from a military vehicle, intelligent area search with a quadcopter, optical detection of enemy UAS via camera on quadcopter and integration to the MFoCS in-vehicle computer. Through this effort TARDEC gained the capability to fly experimental UAS at Selfridge Air National Guard base, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Dearborn and building a capability to integrate UAS to multiple models of vehicles. In FY17 SQUAD is working with SCCM and VEA’s VMD to into demonstrator vehicles they are building.

During FY16 the SABL performed 145 tests for a total of 3,470 shots against a total of 1,172 armor samples. Several firsts for the Survivability Armor Blast Laboratory (SABL) occurred during FY16, for example: the SABL performed several tests in Camp Grayling including 105mm Howitzer tests, corner-joint testing and weld-joint qualification for Joint Assault Bridge (JAB), AMPV Ballistic Joint Validation program and other customers in an effort to qualify weld procedures for use on various defense programs. To date, the SABL have conducted 623 various PPP shots in Camp Grayling, Mich., range which provided critical ballistic weld performance data gaps and enabling the re-writing of much needed MIL-STD Weld Codes.

The SABL has started the process to utilize ammo storage bunkers at SANGB for conducting large caliber ballistic weld testing (up to 75mm Aluminum rounds), which will allow operating in the bunkers vice Camp Grayling and will save the Government significant money and vastly improves ability to meet customer schedules.

Vehicle Armor Lab (VAL): The VAL is a multifunctional facility that focuses on composite materials research, development, fabrication and integration. The VAL is a combination of two different areas:
• Environmentally controlled room for fabric cutting, specimen and preparation and test control, and
• Open bay space containing test and fabrication equipment.

Evaluation of Adhesives for Blast Loadings (TR #27279): U.S. Army TARDEC and 3M Company performed a series of blast tests on thin material adhesive joints. High strength tape, urethane, and epoxy adhesives were evaluated. The goal of the effort was to understand the potential for using adhesive bonds for integrating reactive armor on a vehicle. The testing revealed that the adhesives could perform well and, if used correctly, be effective in this application.

Explosive Testing of Lightweight Reactive Armor Enclosures (TR #27524): U.S. Army TARDEC performed a test series evaluating lightweight reactive armor enclosures fabricated from various materials. Weight reduction from existing enclosure designs was the goal of this effort. This was a follow on activity to previous tests conducted at TARDEC. Metallic and composite designs were tested to collateral damage standards. The testing revealed the best performing materials and configurations. Many of these designs offer significant weight reduction over current metallic designs.

VAL: Improved Coating of Polyethylene Armor Plates for Environmental Exposure (TR #27641): Composite materials are proving to be highly efficient as armor materials. TARDEC previously discovered ballistic degradation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene armor plates after thermal cycling. Polyurethane coatings were found to help mitigate that effect, but experienced cracking from the thermal cycles. Testing found that the addition of a film adhesive to the system increased bond strength and prevented cracking. Subsequent ballistic testing showed improved results.

Lightweight Buffering Technologies to Prevent Sympathetic Detonation in Explosive Reactive Armor (TR #28301): U.S. Army TARDEC performed a live fire test series on reactive armor buffering materials. This study took the results from previous buffer component testing and incorporated lightweight alternatives into a reactive tile. The goal was to find the lowest weight option to prevent sympathetic detonation in a tile. Results showed that simple changes in material and/or thickness have the potential to reduce the weight of the buffer bar designs and maintain performance. However, the tested designs did not consistently perform as hoped, requiring subsequent testing of designs that do not save as much weight.

Environmental and Vibration Testing of Encapsulated Combat Vehicle Armor (TR #28303): Encapsulated armor has high potential to be a mass efficient armor solution. However, there are many unknowns relating to environmental and structural durability of the designs after fielding. U.S. Army TARDEC performed environmental and vibration testing on encapsulated panels. The panels were found to have no noticeable degradation of ballistic performance, as a result of the exposures.

VAL: Alternative Lamination Methods for Transparent Armor (TR #27249): Transparent armor is widely used throughout the military. Typically, transparent armor consists of glass bonded to polymers with significantly different thermal expansion coefficients. It is generally produced by a vacuum bag and autoclave process using elevated temperatures. Residual stresses in transparent armor are an accelerant for delamination. Alternative means of lamination, including electron beam and ultraviolet light, were investigated in FY16. The combination of adhesive and processing methods yielded reduced ballistic performance. Electron beam is not suitable for transparent armor, however ultraviolet light may provide a suitable method.

Polycarbonate periphery support for transparent armor ballistic performance (TR #28383): Transparent armor generally consists of layers of glass bonded to a rear layer of polycarbonate. When a high energy projectile impacts transparent armor near a corner, the majority of the glass is fragmented, and the polycarbonate is no longer structurally supported. The present study was conducted to determine the width of a shoulder which supports the polycarbonate during impact near a corner of the transparent armor. A 1 in. and 1.5 in. wide shoulder was found to provide higher ballistic performance than a 0.5 in. wide shoulder. The wider shoulder prevented the polycarbonate from opening and allowing debris into the crew area.

The Tactical Vehicle Armor Development (TVAD) program (TR #27547): Commenced in FY12. It arose out of a need to provide current and future tactical vehicles with an armor solution at an objective ballistic performance level, while allowing for enhanced vehicle mobility and payload at a reduced cost. The final output of this program was two different Government developed TRL 4 standalone B-kit armor solutions for the defeat of LTAS (O) and JLTV (O) threats and one identified industry solution for the defeat of LTAS (O) threats.

Laser Protection: • Integration of laser protection concepts into the space-claim of the Bradley Commander’s Independent Viewer (CIV) through an agreement with Raytheon Corporation. The effort works to determine the integration techniques for multiple concepts and looks to evaluate the costs associated with those alternatives.
• Integration of laser protection concepts into the space claim of the Bradley Improved Acquisition System (IBAS) gun sight with DRS Technologies. The effort works to determine the integration techniques for multiple concepts and looks to evaluate the costs associated with those alternatives.
• Improve the protection concepts for both intermediate focal planes (cells/pumps) and on-sensor methods with Boeing Corporation. These designs will be leveraged by the other subcontractors (Raytheon and DRS) in their design efforts.
• Continued coordination with the U.K. Ministry of Defense for field testing planned for 3QFY17. Supported information sharing under the PA between the U.S/U.K. for exchanging data up to the Secret-level. Hardware manufactured by Raytheon is planned to be demonstrated at that field test.
• Supported ARL in a Red Team effort to determine potential vulnerabilities to existing laser protection concepts. This involved several team members traveling to ARL (Adelphi, MD) and TSRL (Fort Sam Houston) in order to collect statistically relevant data on the impact of lasers.
• Supported Ground Vehicle Robotics (GVR) in a Red Team effort. The intent of the Red Team is to investigate potential vulnerabilities in the Robotic Convoy operations. The Laser Team will develop artifacts used as input into their system in order to determine the impact of laser energy on their day camera sensors.
• Initiated several SBIR efforts in order to perform risk reduction activities in order to improve the performance of the limiting material used in the laser protection concepts.

MAPS: During FY16 the MAPS program accomplished many milestones. MAPS is using a strict systems engineering approach for program execution. The team completed Soft-Kill Countermeasure and Cueing Sensor Functionality Tier 1 Demonstrator testing in March. Planning for the Tier 2 demonstration has been underway with testing scheduled for March 2017. The initial Soft-Kill emulator was delivered to the program. MAC hardware and software have completed PDR-Level reviews. Conducted Tracking Sensor SSDR3. Completed Phase I MAC HW Safety Certification Investigation. The release of Knowledge Points (KP) 1-4 took place allowing the Community of Interest (COI) insight into the future MAF integration. These KP releases provide proper organization for the content of MAF 1.0.

The MAPS team kicked-off Industry Forum In Process Review and MAF Knowledge Point 1 release activities. The Industry Forum Lead Facilitator and MAPS Leadership planned CY16 activities. The scope of work document was developed in conjunction with ACC-NJ for CY16 activities.

The MAPS Team released the MAF Beta Package to Government and industry on Feb 26. The Architecture Working Group in collaboration with the Community of Interest determined that the MAF needed to be comprised of 8 documents that each have a separate focus: Introduction & Scope, Technical Standard, Reference Implementation Guide, Data Modeling, Business Guide for Industry, Compliance, Contracting Guide and Governance. MAF Beta contained drafts of four of the eight documents: Introduction & Scope, Technical Standard, Reference Implementation Guide, Data Modeling.

Software drop #1 integration was completed at the Northrup Grumman (NG) facility in Rolling Meadows on Aug. 14 , and consisted of the initial integration of Prototype Controller (PC) hardware/software and NG PICS and MEOS (sensor and countermeasure) subsystems. The integration took place over four days and concluded with a successful basic demonstration of communication between the three systems utilizing the PC ICD RevA message set. This was a critical integration, as it was the first time PC was connected to NG equipment in addition to communicating with protocols defined in the first draft of the SKD MAF. The SKD Framework WG met at Lockheed Martin Orlando on July 19 for a third face to face. During this meeting the following was accomplished: message set (including payloads and network priority) completed, requirements revised, AVB standard agreed upon (the AVB IEEE audio/video spec will be used for the demo), mitigation to issues with Telspan AVB identified, and updates to faults and sequences produced. Once the artifacts are fed into the variant model anticipate baseline for Tier2 testing in March 2017.

GS&P CoI Survivability Lead: Survivability leadership was very involved in the Ground and Sea Platform Community of Interest (CoI). The G&SP CoI is a consortium of Army, Marine and Navy leaders that strive to find areas of R&D in which the three groups can collaborate to maximize return on investment in various strategic endeavors. Some of the topics being pursued are; the armoring of robotic vehicles and ways to increase cyber and electronic warfare protection in ground vehicles. Plans were made to visit some of the Navy laboratories to generate ideas on how the Army laboratories can better collaborate on matters of Survivability.

With the U.S. Army’s new focus on long-range, research and development, this past year, Dr. Meitzler and COL Howell visited Los Alamos Laboratories in New Mexico to see and learn about some of the emergent technologies they are working on that could be utilized to increase Survivability. A scientist from Los Alamos then came out to Michigan and gave a detailed briefing to the TARDEC Survivability and Security (G2) leadership. Areas determined for future collaboration and development are nano-materials for armor, metamaterials for laser protection, and conformal, self-encrypting, super luminous antennas that could be part of the embedded, armor sensors.

Chief GVS&P Engineer: The Chief Survivability Engineer is responsible for bridging TARDEC Ground System Survivability (GSS) Research & Development (R&D) and the Program Management Offices (PMO). The Chief Survivability Engineer worked with the PMO survivability engineers to provide the state-of-the-art survivability technologies and to identify path and timeline for implementation into all U.S. Army ground platforms. As a result, the Army ground platforms’ protection systems will continued to be upgraded and will survive in the ever changing combat theaters.

The Chief Survivability Engineer is also the Technical Project Officer (TPO) for various Defense Exchange Agreements (DEAs) with Allied Nations and international partners. In 2016, the US/Israeli DEA 0570 was instrumental in expediting the transfer of Israeli Active Protection Systems (APS) technology to be installed onto US Army combat platforms for rapid assessment and quantification of the increase in US combat systems’ combat effectiveness.

TARDEC developed automatic fire extinguishing system (AFES) M&S capability for ground vehicle fire suppression events. The simulation tool addresses crew and engine compartment fire suppression performance assessment using state-of-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The simulation tool complements vehicle testing and facilitate optimization of automatic fire extinguishing systems (AFES) on ground vehicles. The ongoing development of high-fidelity modeling and simulation capabilities dramatically reduces project risks and speeds development of new and improved thermal injury prevention technologies.

Developed the ZH2 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle in partnership with General Motors based on their Chevy Colorado commercial off-road vehicle. Conducted soldier evaluations at several military installations around the country and demonstrate rugged true long-range silent mobility.

Advanced Propulsion with Onboard power (APOP) project demonstrated the ability to increase the electrical power available on the Stryker vehicle from 16kW to 120kW, with the integration of a 3000 series Allison Transmission Integrated Generator (3TIG), two DC/DC converters, and an electric fan.

Released the performance specification for the Lithium-Ion 6T battery (MIL-PRF-32565) to serve as a drop-in replacement for the lead acid 6T AGM battery.

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Powertrain Durability Test. 5 month, 16,000 mile test compared Duramax engine powertrains between the JLTV A0 and JLTV A1.

M88 1790 engine with prototype EFI hardware demonstrated with Real Time Control Systems in-house software on a NeXt Electronic Control Unit.

TARDEC unveiled its new immersive visualization capability that uses a Head-Mounted-Display (HMD) to fully immerse an individual user and allow them to dynamically explore life-sized visualizations of concept vehicle models. This new system is highly mobile (e.g. it can be transported by one individual as set-up in minutes). The TARDEC Director took this new capability to the Pentagon to show three different Generals, in their respective offices, a TARDEC developed concept for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV). TARDEC calls this immersive visualization device its Mobile CAVE, since it provides similar capability as the TARDEC-CAVE that can be taken on the road.

CVP Armor: 1. Live Fire Testing on Reactive Armor Buffering Designs at ATC: Live fire ballistic testing of the lightweight buffering designs at ATC were successful. Testing was performed to prevent unnecessary sympathetic detonation in explosive reactive armor. Multiple designs proved effective at preventing sympathetic detonation, while saving weight over current designs. This added to the overall weight savings in the new lightweight ERA designs from enclosure and attachment savings. This provides necessary baseline data as environmental testing occurs for TRL 5 validation in FY18. 2. Live fire ballistic testing of the reactive armor attachment designs at ATC were successful. The designs tested would reduce weight over existing solutions. These included aluminum and composite rails, and latches. The lightweight rails performed well enough to merit additional consideration. 3. The Vehicle Armor Lab successfully transitioned the manufacturing process of the composite reactive armor enclosures to industry. The enclosure was developed and tested by TARDEC as part of the CVP armor program integration weight reduction effort. The required quantity of enclosures for TRL 5 testing could not be achieved within a reasonable timeframe at TARDEC, requiring an industry partner. The technology transfer to industry also reduces risk for eventual production of the armor solution at the end of the program. RCO Engineering in Roseville, Mich., was able to provide a low rate production run to meet the required TRL 5 quantity of enclosures.

Active Blast: On October 2015, the ARL Ballistic Hull and Turret (BH&T) concept integrated with TenCate Advanced Armor’s ABMS technology, titled as Active Blast Defense System (ABDS), was blast tested at 5X (Event 2). This test event was compared to a baseline test (Event 1), which did not feature an ABMS. The BH&T features a single piece forged aluminum hull manufactured by Alcoa. Although it is designed for a crew of 3 and a squad of 9, this test event was conducted with a crew of 3 (driver, commander and gunner positions) and a squad of 6 (crew 4-9 positions). Three different developmental seating and flooring systems were located throughout the vehicle. Specific descriptions of those systems are considered sensitive. The BH&T weighed in at 91,000lbs approximately. The ABMS lowered the jump height and velocities in Event 2 when compared to Event 1. Five of nine crew members were injured in Event 1, while zero of nine crew members were injured in Event 2. By lowering the hull velocity, the EA systems had more time to react and, specifically with regarding the seats, were not asked to mitigate as much energy as they were in Event 1. GVS&P and ARL recognizes the advantages of the ABMS installed on the ballistic hull. The ability to reduce injuries by opposing forces on a vehicle from an underbody blast can reduce the vehicle’s vulnerability.

JTAPIC: IIPS continued working with the Joint Trauma Analysis and Prevention of Injury in Combat (JTAPIC) in order to acquire crash and rollover injury data from theater by vehicle platform. This data will provide an understanding of the injury mechanisms undergone by the warfighter. This is the foundational understanding to creating a crash and rollover vehicle program and standard. The injury data will also be used for expanding scope of technologies in order to protect the warfighter from multiple threats from underbody blast to vehicle born IEDs. To date, TARDEC has received HMMWV and MRAP crash/rollover information.

Exterior Blast Mitigation: Advanced Floors: The purpose of the Advanced Floors program is to leverage the floor work from OCP and other programs to meet combat vehicle needs and threats. In addition, it will develop more advanced floor systems capable of handling multiple Soldier sizes, threat levels and mission weights without re-engineering the floor. During FY17, the team incorporated the vehicle durability into the designs developed for HFBC/CVP. These designs have undergone component testing which has resulted in design optimizations for the planned reconfigurable asset testing in FY18

The Occupant Protection Lab (OP Lab) Crew Compartment Underbody Blast Simulator (CCUBS) construction began 3rd Quarter of FY17 and the simulator is located at the Occupant Protection Lab at Selfridge (SANGB), building 1426. CCUBS is scheduled to be operational 1st Quarter of FY19. It is a test device that will be used to evaluate vehicle crew compartments in simulated underbody mine blasts and IED events. The CCUBS consists of a large platform with four seat-and occupant positions. During tests, engineers can place common equipment such as steering columns, radio racks and other Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) on the platform.

The pneumatically actuated CCUBS device will be capable of testing impulses up to 350g-5ms on a global level. The total payload is 2,200 lbs. The CCUBS will also be capable of testing slam-down impulses up to 90g-20ms. The OP Lab will use Hybrid III Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) – or crash test dummies – with internal instrumentation to record load data in the head, neck, spine, thorax and legs. The lab also features a full range of external instrumentation including accelerometers, load cells, string potentiometers and high-speed video cameras to meet customer needs.

The HFBC team completed the build of one out of two blast buck test assets based on the technology down selection that took place in FY17. The blast buck test assets are full scale based on CVP and up weighted with ballast to the CVP gross vehicle weight. The HFBC blast buck is to prove out the integration of Lightweight Hull, Underbody Solution, Energy Absorbing Floor, Modular Semi-Active Seats, and Active Blast Mitigation System (ABMS). The fabrication of the technologies and ballast weight was a combined government – contractor effort.

Fire Protection: 1. The Fire Protection Team continued a three-year research effort aimed at reducing the use and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are high global warming potential (GWP) gases. Many refrigerants and fire suppression agents are HFCs including HFC-227ea and HFC-125 used in Army ground vehicle fire suppression systems. The effort is evaluating the technical feasibility of potential low-GWP fire extinguishing agents for ground vehicles and aviation weapon systems. 2. Advancing the Fire Protection Lab: Efforts continue to advance the capabilities of TARDEC’s Fire Protection Laboratory. Refinement and improvements were made to the fireball generator, an essential component that simulates a combat-initiated fire to allow testing of automatic fire extinguishing systems (AFES) and extinguishing agents. In conjunction with the fireball generator, testing has been initiated in a reconfigurable test chamber, allowing for enhanced testing ability and customer support.

MAPS Soft Kill Virtual Demonstrator (VDM): The MAPS Virtual Demonstrator team executed the first MAPS Virtual Demonstration. The configuration consisted of the PC and emulators of the KP3 MAF compliant, MEOS soft-kill countermeasure and PICS cueing sensor. The three subsystems implemented communication interfaces defined in MAF KP3 and the corresponding MAPS Soft-Kill Demonstrator Design Model. The demonstration exercised each subsystem’s communication/electrical interfaces with an emphasis on those interfaces prescribed by the MAF (e.g. safety-critical discrete, deterministic and non-deterministic MAF communications over Ethernet).

Soft Kill Demonstrator (SKD): The MAPS team conducted its Tier 2 soft-kill demonstration (SKD) in April at Redstone Test Center. The test was the culmination of the work the team of Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and government engineers have been performing for many months to integrate soft-kill subsystem components using the tenants of the MAPS framework. The evaluation demonstrated the first end-to-end engagement – from cue to defeat – of an APS using the MAPS approach, as well as verified and validated assumptions in KP3 standards and protocol standards. The MAPS team was able to successfully satisfy the primary objectives of the test, which were to validate the use of the Audio Video Bridging deterministic Ethernet protocol, and demonstrate that the subsystems were able to successfully cue, compute, and defeat the threat. It also verified that insertion of a controller built on government- and industry-approved open standards and common interfaces provides the overall system performance required.

MAF Compliant Iron Curtain Virtual Demonstrator PDR: In April, the MAPS team hosted a PDR at Picatinny Arsenal with Artis and L-3 Mustang in support of the MAF compliant Iron Curtain (a.k.a. Hard-Kill B Virtual Demonstrator (HK-B VDM)). MAPS team members from ARDEC, TARDEC and CERDEC, participated in this review. The HK-B VDM utilized the MAC and emulators based on L-3 Mustang’s CROSSHAIRS radar, and Artis’ Iron Curtain HK countermeasure, along with supporting subsystems. The purpose of the PDR was to review preliminary design artifacts from the vendors to assess emulator development using KP5.1 Reference Architecture (RA) as a baseline. In addition, discussions regarding specific plans for the VDM emulators and deliverables took place. Some changes were proposed to the PDR design to allow for more efficient testing and testing of multiple shots against a vehicle. ARDEC and TARDEC engineers were shown how to use Artis’ existing non-MAF-compliant emulators, which ARDEC used to characterize the baseline Iron Curtain system in their lab.

MAPS Compliant Iron Fist – The MAPS team selected the Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IFLD) hard kill APS from Israeli Military Industries’ (IMI) to be the hard-kill system on the MAPS Layered demonstrator. Under contract via General Dynamics – Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), IMI will apply the MAF to the IFLD and integrate those MAF compliant subsystems with the MAPS Base Kit in a number of demonstrations over the next 30 months increasing technology integration level each time. In February, TARDEC hosted the team from IMI and GD-OTS, as well as the MAC hardware and software vendors for the first Joint Technical Working Meeting. Preliminary software integration concepts were discussed as well as a tentative schedule for defining system requirements, hardware integration plans and evaluations. The team continued to engage on a weekly basis, as well as through face-to-face meetings (that took place in June, July, August, and September), to further develop technical details and document them in interface control documents (ICDs) and other relevant specs. Solution space for MAPS compliant requirements continued to be defined despite technical setbacks resulting from personnel resource limitation at IMI as they continued to resolve issues on their IFLD system. The program has initial MAPS compliance demonstrations planned to take place in a lab environment in Q2 or Q3 FY18, and further compliance in a live-fire environment by the end of FY18 and in early FY19.

Countermine: In FY17 TARDEC Mechanical Countermine team conducted subcomponent testing of the heavy tracked vehicle roller. The evaluation reveled a necessary design change to handle the off route forces the system would encounter. Designs were reworked and the new subcomponent was incorporated into the first prototype roller for heavy tracked vehicles. The heavy tracked vehicle roller consisted of a twin arm architecture to allow independent movement of wheel banks, a central hydraulic system, two On Arm Wire Neutralization System (WNS) for each bank, and a cushioning hydraulic cylinder to reduce the rate the bank lowers into a negative terrain obstacle.

Spintronic Radars: reports and prototype circuit boards of this Spintronic Radar Detectors were delivered for evaluation in 2018. Accomplishments made in this effort are as follows:
1) Made a progress in an experimental study of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based spintronic radar detector modules.
2) Characterized over 100 individual MTJs for building 6-port microwave spectrum analyzer.
3) Integrated a series inductors into spectrum analyzer’s output channel.
4) Evaluated and selected a microwave antenna for integration with spectrum analyzer.
5) Developed the testing setup for prototype 6-channel analyzer based on MTJs.
6) Conducted numerical simulations of realistic output detector modules.
7) Completed the theoretical study of multi-channel frequency determination protocols.
8) Developed the unit-vector-distance (UVD) auto-calibration frequency determination protocol.
9) Developed the software code that realized the computationally-efficient UVD algorithm. The code was realized as Mathematica function.
10) Prototype radar detector based on spintronic array, consisting of 6 MTJs, delivered to GVS&P for testing.

Silicon Carbide “Zeus” inverter was successfully developed and tested at 175kW @ 600VDC @ 105°C coolant. Zeus inverter successfully operated at 5x the power density with 20C higher coolant temperature than the best available commercial unit.

Developed a prototype mobile JP-8 reformer system capable of producing 18kg of hydrogen per day to demonstrate the ability to produce hydrogen on the battlefield using standard logistics fuels.

Department of Energy’s Fuel Cell Technology Office (FCTO) and Detroit Arsenal to jointly pursue development of commercial based hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for military use.

32-speed transmission technology was evaluated for vehicle performance and durability for platforms up to 50 tons. Delivered six ACT 850 transmissions to PM Armored Fighting Vehicle.

TARDEC developed a multipurpose, heavy-duty diesel engine oil that provides significant reductions in logistical burden and improved capability compared to its existing engine oils qualified to MIL-PRF-2104 and MIL-PRF-46167. The approach taken was to leverage commercial state-of-the-art synthetic lubricant base oils and performance additive packages, along with an understanding of military vehicle operation, to improve vehicle fuel economy, reduce the frequency of hard time oil changes, and minimize the number of viscosity grades required to maintain military vehicles and equipment.

Two Hull Frame Body Cab (HFBC) blast bucks, TRL 5 demonstrators, were fabricated and blast tested. The HFBC Blast Buck, a prototype integration of the Lightweight Hull, Underbody, Adaptive Floors, Modular Semi-Active Seats, ABMS, and surrogate mass (i.e. turret, armor, and suspension) was the first demonstrator built. It demonstrated TRL 5 maturity for blast of the HFBC technologies by successfully meeting the critical CVP requirements (operating in a CVP relevant environment).

Blast Mitigation: The Interior Blast Mitigation Team (IBMT) partnered with Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NATIC) Human Factors Team and developed a Limited User test (LUT) to better understand the amount of space needed for an aisle within vehicles with Soldiers seated tightly in a squad configuration. A test rig was developed with 18” depth bench seats allowing one side to slide closer to the other bench, reducing the aisle width. Soldiers were in full gear according to their responsibility within the squad.

Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) Armor: Successfully completed Technical Research Level (TRL) 4 ballistic qualification on the CVP turret front armor solution. The turret front design was proven effective, while saving weight over current designs. Successfully performed limited environmental and ballistic testing on CVP lower hull side and sponsor side armor solutions that were exposed to acidic atmosphere, contamination by fluids and corrosion. The final version of the lightweight reactive armor design was completed prior to TRL 6 testing. This version was slightly modified to ensure compatibility with current combat vehicle armor designs and attachments. The Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) Armor Project completed the staffing process of the Technology Transition Agreement (TTA) between TARDEC and PEO GCS. The TTA has been signed by Dr. Rogers and at the 2 Star level by Maj. Gen. Wins, RDECOM, and Maj. Gen. Cummings, PEO GCS. The TTA identifies the transition products that the Armor team will be delivering to PdM Vehicle Protection Systems (VPS).

GVSP Technology Integration (TI) was established in 2018 to enhance the organization’s ability to transition (purposeful, field-able, adaptive) survivability & protection knowledge and capabilities in a timely and consistent manner to its customers in order to enhance U.S. Army ground platform survivability and protection. The organization at its inception consisted of 26 TARDEC, TARDEC-Matrix and contractor personnel divided into 3 thrust areas; Emerging Technology, Platform Integration, and Fielded Platform Support.

Expedited Active Protection System (APS): Technology Integration (TI) assumed lead of the Expedited APS activity, installing and characterizing non-developmental APS on Abrams, Stryker and Bradley. Abrams Trophy transitioned to Phase II UMR and integration and an acquisition decision was made to acquire 4 Brigade Sets of Trophy APS. The initial Stryker installation characterization effort wrapped up June 2018 with an Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) decision not to proceed with the ARTIS Iron Curtain system.

MAPS: MAPS is a multi-year, RDECOM-wide effort led by TARDEC and executed in collaboration with the acquisition community and industry. The overarching goal for MAPS is to enable agile layered protection against current and future threats in demanding environments. MAPS provides the quickest path to protection systems that are re-configurable, upgradeable, safety compliant and cost effective for ground vehicles across the fleet. The successful implementation of MAPS will be the foundation for transitioning Vehicle Protection Systems (VPS) to address protection requirements across the Army fleet and help save the lives of warfighters.

MAPS delivers two primary products – a Modular Active Protection System (APS) Framework (MAF) based on open systems architecture principles – and the MAPS Base Kit. The MAF is the Army’s roadmap to standardize the development and upgradability of Active Protection Systems (APS), layered protection, and subsystem technologies utilized by ground vehicle platforms. The other MAPS product is the MAPS Base Kit, which consists of the safety-compliant Modular APS Controller (MAC), User Interface Control Panel (UICP), Power Management Distribution System (PMDS) and network switch. The MAPS Base Kit facilitates implementation in a manner that results in significant reductions in overall cost, schedule and risk. Most importantly, it enables layered protection — the various subsystems, or sensors and countermeasures — that will be used to defeat emerging threats that cannot be deterred by current systems.

Modular APS Framework: The MAPS Team released MAF KP 9 to the APS community on 11 January. The revised MAF artifacts contained in KP9 were the result of feedback from industry and government partners. The artifacts that were updated include the Reference Architecture, Technical Standard, Data Modeling, Reference Implementation Guide and the Reference Architecture Interface Control Document (ICD). A total of 44 MCRs were accepted or accepted with changes in the Reference Architecture. Ten were significant MCRs and addressed in the KP9 Model Announcement.

MAPS Base Kit: First Engineering Software Drop From Lockheed Martin. The MAPS program received the first engineering software drop from Lockheed Martin on 1 November. The team recreated the build from scratch using building instructions from Lockheed Martin and ran initial tests with emulators in the GVSP lab. The team reviewed the software drop and provided comments to the vendor to be incorporated in future releases to resolve some build and integration issues. TARDEC Controller Training for ARDEC. The MAPS team provided local controller training in the Vehicle Protection Integration Lab (VPI) for ARDEC in November. ARDEC attendees were trained in advance of receiving a MAPS Base Kit at their facility. ARDEC was the first team outside of TARDEC to work with the MAC and as such set the baseline for the process. The training was centered on how to load the software, set up and configure it, and access the controller remotely.

MAPS Base Kit Delivered to MAPS ARDEC Team. A MAPS Base Kit (MAC, PMDS, UICP, network switch and associated cabling) was shipped in November to Picatinny where it was used to perform initial integrations of the Artic Iron Curtain and Rafael Trophy emulators, in advance of delivering a set of verified and validated MAF-compliant components to TARDEC for the execution of the HK-B (Iron Curtain) and HK-C (Trophy) Virtual Demonstrators.

MAPS Soft Kill Demonstrator: The MAPS Virtual Demonstrator team executed a series of virtual soft-kill (SK) demonstrations from December to April using MAPS Base Kit components with various combinations of vendor-supplied sensors and countermeasures. The demonstrations proved the ability of MAPS’ Modular APS Controller (MAC) to control several different APS configurations and represent a major step toward accomplishing the Army’s goal to field APS on US military platforms. The SK demonstrators were conducted at TARDEC and each test featured a unique configuration of sensors and countermeasures being controlled with the MAC on a representative Army ground platform. The test team performed a variety of test cases on each demonstrator to ensure that all subsystems properly implemented all MAF interfaces and requirements according to the design model, and to verify as many requirements and messages as possible using a number of in-house tools that were configured to support each unique Virtual Demonstrator effort.

Laser Protection: • Through an agreement with Raytheon Corporation, the team worked to integrate laser protection concepts into the space-claim of the Bradley Commander’s Independent Viewer (CIV). The effort works to determine the integration techniques for multiple concepts and looks to evaluate the costs associated with those alternatives. Raytheon delivered the second and third of three demonstration hardware prototypes.
• Another Bradley effort was the integration of laser protection concepts into the space claim of the vehicle’s Improved Acquisition System (IBAS) gun sight with DRS Technologies. The effort works to determine the integration techniques for multiple concepts and will evaluate the costs associated with those alternatives. The hardware was designed and manufactured to the specifications developed by TARDEC.
• Working with the Boeing Corporation, the team improved the protection concepts for both intermediate focal planes (cell/pumps) and on-sensor methods. These designs will be leveraged by other subcontractors including Raytheon and DRS in future design efforts.
• In the second quarter of FY18, the Laser Protection team and the UK Ministry of Defense collaborated by exchanging data up to the Secret level. The US/UK PA allowed for lab testing hardware, manufactured by Raytheon Corporation. The results were analyzed to determine system performance against program thresholds.
• The team supported the Protection for Autonomous Systems program. Estimates were developed for both hardware and personnel to support the program. The team traveled to White Sands Missile Range to meet with ATEC and ARL to leverage vulnerability testing for TARDEC Ground Vehicle Robotics hardware.
• Several SIBR efforts continued throughout FY18. They included risk reduction activities designed to improve the performance of the limiting material used in laser protection concepts.
• The team provided technical input into the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) CDD and Performance Specification focused on dazzling, jamming and other sensor protection requirements from directed energy sources.

Fire Protection: The Fire Protection Team completed a three-year research effort to evaluate alternative fire extinguishing agents to reduce the use and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which are high global warming potential (GWP) gases. Many refrigerants and fire suppression agents are HFCs including HFC-227ea and HFC-125 used in Army ground vehicle fire suppression systems. The effort evaluated the technical feasibility of potential low-GWP fire extinguishing agents for ground vehicles and aviation weapon system. Efforts continue to advance the capabilities of TARDEC’s Fire Protection Laboratory. Refinement and improvements were made to the fireball generator, an essential component that simulates a combat-initiated fire to allow testing of automatic fire extinguishing systems (AFES) and extinguishing agents. In conjunction with the fireball generator, testing has been initiated in a reconfigurable test chamber, providing more realistic testing capabilities.

Spintronic Radar Detectors: Evaluated and selected a microwave antenna for integration with spectrum analyzer, Developed the testing setup for prototype 6-channel analyzer based on MTJs.
Conducted numerical simulations of realistic output detector modules, Completed the theoretical study of multi-channel frequency determination protocols, Developed the unit-vector-distance (UVD) auto-calibration frequency determination protocol, Developed the software code that realized the computationally-efficient UVD algorithm. The code was realized as Mathematica program, Prototype radar detector based on spintronic array, consisting of 6 MTJs, delivered to GVS&P/TARDEC for testing.

The Survivability Armor Blast Laboratory (SABL) preformed two large scale weld tests at Camp Grayling. The efforts were in support of CVP Armor, Heavy Equipment Transport (HET) Urban Survivability Kit (HUSK) and the TARDEC Standardization Group and executed approximately 200 shots. During this time, they also certified welds for multiple government and industry customers.

Throughout FY18, the SABL team executed a total of 4,068 shots on 185 projects for 26 government and industry customers. The lab underwent ISO17025 and EMS-ISO14001 third-party audits with zero negative findings. SABL occupied building 515 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) and worked to set up a rapid repair SIL. Improvements to operations at SANG expanded mid-range weld testing 37mm aluminum and steel rounds, 57 and 75 mm aluminum rounds. The team fired roughly 50 shots downrange at the SANG bunkers.

Occupant Protection Laboratory: Occupant Protection Laboratory (OPL) personnel, supported the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) and the Army’s Engineer Research & Development Center (EDC) to instrument a large Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) on asphalt in close contact with an armored convoy. OPL used ATDs to collect data for occupant injury potential to Soldiers and localized occupant environment using accelerometers, angular rate sensors, and pressure sensors. NGIC and ERDC will use this information as part of their forensic analysis database to categorize future attacks and update applicable threat assessments. OPL modernized the Ft. Polk blast range to take advantage of future threat evaluations and enhance FY19 sub-system evaluations using a new generic hull (GH) and reconfigurable asset (RA).

CCUBS: The Crew Compartment Under-body Blast Simulator (CCUBS) is a vertically accelerating platform to conduct laboratory scale blast tests on components and subsystems. Once construction is complete it will become the preeminent laboratory for military vehicle occupant safety testing. CCUBS will be the largest of its kind in the works, giving the DoD a unique capability not available elsewhere.

FY18 efforts included researching potential suppliers and developing an acquisition plan. Lansmont Corporation, the supplier, began preparatory construction and realized the need to engineer a specialized foundation with a 7.6 meter, below ground engineered pit. CCUBS’s total weight exceeds 68,000 pounds – roughly equivalent to an M1A1 Abrams tank.

Once operational, the 2.5 meter platform will allow engineers to evaluate interactions of the occupant-to-vehicle interior surfaces and occupant-to-occupant. The lab will assess counter measures to reduce occupant injuries. Through non-destructive testing, CCUBS will eliminate the need to live-fire prototypes during the development cycle. Primary test modes will include: global motion, global motion and drop down, or drop down only.

TARDEC Analytics Structures M&S Team conducted a detailed fatigue analysis of the Bradley hull structure. The outcome of this effort produced the following:
– Bradley vehicle dynamics model
– Complete hull finite element model
– Development of a weld fatigue analysis capability
– Material fatigue property characterization for AL7039 aluminum armor
– Determination of specific areas of the hull susceptible to crack initiation

Developed Advanced Running Gear (ARG) for the Army’s 50T class track and road wheel system for the Bradley, AMPV and PIM.

Successful testing of high temperature, 160kW, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and Silicon Carbide Integrated Starter Generator Controller (ISGC).

Demonstration of the Advanced Powertrain Demonstrator (APD). The APD consisted of a 1000 Hp Opposed Piston Engine, 32 speed transmission, 160kW ISG, Li-Ion battery, and electrified cooling fans integrated into a Bradley hull.

ground Degraded Visual Environments (gDVE) ATO – leverage sensor development from the air community to Increase local situational awareness (LSA) in degraded visual environments (e.g. day, night, dust, smoke) for ground vehicle systems using scalable LSA sensing & immersive intelligence; utilize additional crew aids to provide greater situational understanding such as overlay of virtual lane markings

GVSC developed a new performance based specification (i.e., MIL-PRF-32626) for the qualification of heavy-duty diesel engine oils that are fuel efficient, provide extended oil drain intervals, and practically eliminates the need for seasonal oil changes. The specification combines the requirements of our standard heavy-duty diesel engine oil with Army-unique tests to identify fuel efficient and highly oxidative/thermally stable oils. The use of oil qualified to MIL-PRF-32626 should reduce overall fuel demand and the number of dangerous fuel convoys needed to fuel our missions.

The Hull Frame Body Cab (HFBC) Team Transitioned Its Four Innovative and Occupant-centric (OC) Technologies to Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team (NGCV CFT). The new technologies — a lightweight hull with an underbody solution; an energy-absorbing floor; modular semi-active seats and an active blast mitigation system (ABMS) – provide Technical Reports and Models, Concept Solutions for Demonstrator and Performance Specifications. The Army expects these new technologies based on life-saving design principles to lead to a reduction in casualties on legacy platforms. The ultimate goal is an Army requirement for no occupant injuries.

The Combat Vehicle Prototype (CVP) Armor project began in FY15, and is a cross-Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) effort that encompasses both applied research by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and advanced technology development by Ground Vehicle System Center (GVSC) and delivers a lightweight, multi-threat base (B-Kit) and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA)(C-Kit) component design directly applicable to currently fielded platforms (Abrams, AMPV, Bradley).

GVSP and Partner Organizations Conducted a Sequence of Tests Known as the Soft Kill (SK) Rodeo to Determine Which SK Technology Currently Had the Most Potential and Should Be Further Developed for the Modular Active Protection System (MAPS) Program’s Layered Active Protection Demonstration. Data collected during the SK Rodeo was analyzed and resulted in the recommendation to integrate BAE Systems’ RAVEN countermeasure onto a Bradley Fighting Vehicle for the layered demonstrator that took place during the summer of 2019.

MAPS Program Successfully Demonstrated and Transitioned Products to PdM Vehicle Protection Systems. MAPS VIP Day, which took place in September 2019, was the final major milestone event for the MAPS Layered Demonstration activity, as well as the FY 15-19 MAPS project. Guests witnessed a “layered” (multiple countermeasure) MAF-compliant system installed on a combat platform and controlled by the MAPS Base Kit. The key demonstration took place on a Redstone Test Center (RTC) test range. The MAF-compliant configuration demonstrated the MAPS Base Kit’s ability to enable two different types of countermeasures (hard-kill and soft-kill) to defeat threats, and also to communicate critical information to the warfighter via the platform’s data network. MAPS transitioned its main two deliverables — the Modular APS Framework (MAF) and MAPS Base Kit — to PdM VPS in FY 19.

WIAMan Transitioned to Acquisition Community. The Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin (WIAMan) project hit a critical milestone when it officially transitioned to the acquisition community in June. Achieving this landmark represents eight years of work by many people from various organizations and was only possible after successfully completing a Transition Program Review, a capstone live-fire demonstration, and a signed Transition Agreement between the WIAMan Engineering Office (WEO) at Army Research Lab (ARL) and Program Executive Office Simulation Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI).

New technical program begun in FY19 on a Magnetic Field Decelerator. Work is taking place in the GVSP Active Defense Lab as well as the NASA Kennedy Space Center Applied Physics Lab.

The Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) Team successfully released CoRe 2019 that provided software packages critical in building the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Demonstrators which are part of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program demonstration scheduled for FY2019/20. RTK provides an “off-the-shelf” autonomy software solution that can be applied to a variety of vehicle platforms and mission sets and represents a game-changing approach to software development in the context of DoD Acquisition; making it possible to (1) develop and acquire autonomous ground vehicles faster and at lower costs than previously conceivable and (2) upgrade software easily to deliver improved and new capabilities to existing autonomy ready/enabled platforms. RTK contains approximately 1.3 million software lines of code (SLOC) including modules for perception, world modeling, localization, on-road route following, off-road waypoint navigation, state/mode management, motion planning, motion execution, and integration with GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics (GVR) Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI).

GVSC-GVR delivered 30 Expedient Leader Follower (ExLF) PLSA1 trucks to the 41st Transportation Company. These trucks are the first to be issued to a unit where they will be used in a one year long Operational Technological Demonstration (OTD) of enhanced driver safety features, autonomous leader follower, and teleoperation.

On Aug. 22, 2019, led by Team Warren, GVSC conducted a demonstration of Manned Unmanned Teaming at Camp Grayling, Mich. This Demonstration consisted of two Mission Enabling Technology – Demonstrators controlling four Robotic Combat Vehicles. All six vehicles operating as a platoon conducted various Mission Essential Task List functions to include Establish a Screen and Displace to Subsequent Screen. The MET-D vehicles were able to successfully control and operate all four RCV’s

Platform Electrification and Advanced Mobility Experimental Prototype Programs Execution

Crew Optimization and Automation Technologies (COAT) ATO – This project provides: Coordinated platoon-level MUMT maneuver with complex formations; Ability to transition from one complex scenario to another; Enhanced Semi-autonomous maneuver for off-road operations; Dynamic team re-tasking across MCVs (1 Platoon) to support mission goals based on prediction of individual workload; Data-driven customized 360 SA across platoon level teams capable of adjusting to changing mission needs; Integration of Enhanced AiTR and weapon engagement configured for mission needs; Reconfigurable frameworks and simulation MUM-T Experimental Lab (MEL) for concept experimentation and exploration;

Engineers test an autonomous MRZR running the open source robotic data recording tool Data DirectoR (DDR) during the Combat Vehicle Robotics (CoVeR) Engineering Evaluation Test (EET) in October at Camp Grayling, Michigan.

U.S. Army engineers and technicians at Camp Grayling’s 30 Complex tested Robotic Combat Vehicles equipped with autonomous software so they can be operated from a distance

At the core of the U.S. Marine Corps’ ROGUE Fires project is a version of the U.S. Army’s Robotic Technology Kernel, developed by the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center. The RTK is at the heart of all of the Army’s ground vehicle robots and provides the library of various autonomous behaviors these ground vehicles need to operate.

U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center hosted the event which saw DoD STEM K-12 physics and mathematics teachers, along with DoD scientists and engineers, give in-class lessons to cadet students on physics of flight and human velocity, followed by in-the-field testing.