Is the "
ULTRA" (Ultra Armored Patrol Vehicle) the next generation of fighting
four-wheelers?
Researchers from Georgia Technical Research Instutue (GTRI), funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), looking to improve survivability and
mobility think so.
In the ULTRA AP, the GTRI/industry team has made improvements in two key areas by taking a systems approach to survivability and safety:
Survivability: This factor involves a vehicle’s ability to shield occupants from hostile action. The ULTRA AP will feature novel design concepts and
research advances in lightweight and cost-effective armor to maximize capability and protection. The new armor was designed at GTRI in partnership
with the Georgia Tech School of Materials Science and Engineering. The vehicle also incorporates a “blast bucket” designed to provide ballistic,
blast and enhanced roll-over protection. New vehicle designs must incorporate dramatically increased resistance to explosions caused by mines and
improvised explosive devices, Caille noted.
Safety with Performance: The ULTRA design explored the use of on-board computers to integrate steering, suspension and brakes to provide an
unparalleled level of mobility and safety, Caille added. The new vehicle’s integrated chassis represents an advancement over the most advanced
current production vehicles.
The ULTRA utilizes a commercial truck chassis and runs on diesel fuel.
The ULTRA's design incorporates a multi-faceted exterior intended to reduce the impact of blast waves from explosives better than current designs.
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It appears to have a capacity of 3-4 crew members. One in the driver's section, one on each side at the doors, and maybe even one in the rear
interior.
IMO, while it does seem to provide better protection to the occupants, the design seems to hinder rapid deployment/exit by the occupants.
Providing that the armor plating and chassis construction are sufficient to withstand a direct IED blast (i.e. underneath, frontal, horizontal, etc.)
I can see where this may prove to be a viable and safer means of transport.
*If they were to incorporate a top-mounted "Look At-Shoot At" system, controlled from an occupant in a second "front-seat" position, just imagine
the possibilities.
Please respond with thoughts and/or suggestions as to possible uses and configurations!
An interesting design that virtually asks for "accessories!?"
Peace2All
LINKS:
GTRIThe Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit applied research arm of the Georgia
Institute of Technology. GTRI conducts more than $140 million in research each year for a variety of industry and government clients in a broad range
of technologies.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) manages science and technology research for the Navy and Marine
Corps. ONR sponsors basic and applied research in oceanography, advanced materials, sensors, robotics, biomedical science and technology, electronics,
surveillance, mathematics, manufacturing technology, information science, advanced combat systems and technologies for ships, submarines, aircraft and
ground vehicles.
[edit on 9/19/2005 by 12m8keall2c]
