Meritor has developed two new electronic systems to help military vehicles improve their manoeuvrability through varied terrains and extreme conditions, with enhanced traction and mobility.
Called SmartFlow central tire inflation system (CTIS) and DriveCommand Drivetrain Control (DTC), the new systems are designed to offer customised tire pressure and drivetrain management through mud, sand and snow, on highways and cross-country, and in emergency situations.
Independently controlled by a single human machine interface (HMI) unit, the lightweight systems can readily mount on a cab or high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs) chassis, as well as on the joint light tactical vehicles (JLTV).
The company is expecting the US Army and Marine Corps to be the first-time users of both SmartFlow CTIS and DriveCommand DTC, which can be incorporated into any military vehicle with an onboard air compressor.
Meritor North America vice-president, Tim Burns, said the two systems boost vehicle performance for soldiers in extreme conditions, by enabling drivers to easily control tire pressure, differential locking and transfer case positioning.
”Our engineering investment in developing these two electronic systems extends our defence product line to include wheel valves and electronics,” Burns said.
”The systems can potentially cross over into other segments, including commercial vehicles.”
Besides automatic monitoring and adjustment of tire inflation with a single pneumatic control unit, (PCU) irrespective of the vehicle’s status, SmartFlow CTIS also extends tire and wheel component life and lowers maintenance costs through detection of tire leakage, and determining if it should continue inflating with air.
Extending Meritor Defense’s front and rear locking differentials and transfer cases package, DriveCommand DTC can engage automatically when the driver selects a mobility mode on the HMI panel.
The two systems, along with the company’s other HMMWV- and JLTV-compatible components, including the ProTec Series 30 high-mobility independent suspension, are scheduled to be featured in an interactive display at Modern Day Marine, which will be held at Quantico marine corps base from 24 to 26 September 2013.
Image: Meritor’s new electronic systems can easily mount on a chassis of US military’s high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles. Photo: courtesy of US Navy.
