Abrams Width Correction Factor Assessment
Abstract
A study was performed to assess the width correction factor (WCF) used in the calculation of the Military Load Class (MLC) of the Abrams tank. The study was performed in response to various discussions that have taken place regarding the potential need for change in how the WCF is applied in NATO STANAG 2021. The study looks at the maximum WCF used to determine the final MLC at various tank weights, using both actual vehicle weights for the vehicle that have been collected over the years and theoretical vehicle weights that were used to fill out the data set. This study builds on a previous study, performed in 2013 for the Product Manager Abrams office, to assess how the MLC of the Abrams tank changed with increases in vehicle weight. The results of the study, extended since the initial study was completed to cover weights as low as 10 tons, is presented in graphical form in Figure 1. Figure 1 indicates that the MLC of the tank is equal to the tanks weight at weights up to 70 tons. Beyond 70 tons, the MLC deviates from the weight, and the amount of deviation increases the more the weight of the tank is increased. At the time the study was performed, it was believed that the vehicles geometry, in the form of the width correction factor used for the MLC calculation, was the primary reason for this difference. However, no further analysis was performed up to now to validate that claim. The study documented in this paper looks at the claim from the 2013 study further. Presented in this paper is the procedure used for the study, as well as the results and associated discussion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1113867
Entities
People
- Bernard Sia