AIROLL VEHICLE LOCOMOTION STUDY
Abstract
An Airoll test platform was designed and built to prove the feasibility and practicability of a locomotion concept incorporating 2 or more tracks, each of which is driven by a sprocket or other suitable means. Each track consists of a series of free-running tires or rollers connected to an endless chain or belt. Motion is pro uced by track tension which causes the vehicle to roll over tires which also act as the suspension system. A test platform was provided with spacers to produce track length-to-width ratios of 1/ 1 and 1.5/1. Initial tests are being conducted with the 1/1 ratio on 3 track types: (1) 24x24x6 terra tires, smooth tread, 16 tires/track; (2) 16x24x6 terra tires, smooth tread, 19 tires/track; and (3) 23x8.00x10 industrial tires, 2 tires/axle, 32 tires/track. The test platform equipped with 24x24x6 tires had a net weight of 17,500 lb, a longitudinal cg 104 in. forward of the rear drive sprocket center line, a vertical cg 1-5/8 in. below the top of the sponson, and a transverse cg on the longitudinal center line.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0260808