TERRAMECHANIC EVALUATION OF THE XM-561 IN THAILAND,
Abstract
The XM-561 is a six-wheeled, 1 1/4-T, amphibious truck consisting of a dual-body configuration. The four -wheeled tractor is connected to the two-wheeled carrier by an articulating assembly which permits the forward and rear bodies to pitch and roll independently. The center wheels rotate about a fore and aft axis independent of either body and seek their own ground position. As a result, all six wheels contact the ground and full traction is obtained. Two XM-561's, differing essentially only in tire size, were tested. This terramechanic evaluation was conducted to determine the ability of the XM-561 to operate in the various environments of Thailand and to assess the improvement in mobility resulting from the use of Terra tires. Test results show that the XM-561 is clearly superior to the standard M-37 3/4-T truck in all aspects of mobility. Equipping the XM-561 with Terra tires results in a substantial increase in soft soil mobility over the standard tires. However, vehicle width becomes excessive for use on trails in Thailand. The XM-561 is satisfactory for operation in Thailand if the tire size is optimized at the largest tire width permissible without requiring the use of a power steering system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0627309
Entities
People
- Roger J. Borris