Evaluation of Flexmat as an Assault Egress Surfacing.
Abstract
River-crossing operations are an integral part of land warfare. The lethality of modern weapons and the capability of large enemy formations dictate that crossing forces reduce their vulnerability by maintaining inherent mobility. Conditions that must be overcome are weak soil strengths, especially at or near the waterline, and exit slopes at streams that are steep and prevent tactical assault vehicles from exciting at the most advantageous location. The purpose of this investigation was to develop and evaluate surfacing systems that would satisfy the requirements of the assault vehicles egress role as stated in the Letter of Agreement (LOA) for a tactical bridge access/egress system. Four expedient surfacing (Flexmat) designs were tested and evaluated. Slope-climbing tests were conducted on a typical 25 percent sloped lake bank, and the traffic tests were performed over a heavy clay soil. The Flexmat was then evaluated according to its condition, and the succeeding design was modified to correct any deficiencies that were revealed during the previous test. The final design of the Flexmat sustained 50 egress passes with the Armored Personnel Carrier, which exceeded the minimum requirement of 25 passes. The condition of the mat after the tests were completed was considered to be excellent. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA171621
Entities
People
- Shirley D. Triplett