| Popis: |
The primary purposes of this paper are to: (1) assess propulsion-system technology needs and opportunities for military ground-vehicle applications, and (2) examine the relationship of these needs and opportunities to current technology-base program activities. The scope of the paper includes consideration of all major types of vehicles: combat vehicles, combat support vehicles, and tactical wheeled vehicles. Both engines and transmissions are considered and, to a lesser extent, fuels; the only generic element of a propulsion system which is not considered here is the thruster--tracks or wheels. The results indicate that: (1) the payoffs for potential improvements in propulsion systems are high; (2) with respect to tactical wheeled vehicles, there seems to be little to be sacrificed by relying on commercial propulsion systems; (3) with respect to armored vehicles, programs aimed at suitable propulsion system technology demonstrations in the mid-to-late 1980s are needed now; (4) such demonstrations need not be related specifically to either lightly armored vehicles or main battle tanks at this time, but rather to armed vehicles as a whole; (5) the power range of interest is 500-1500 hp, with the lower portion probably preferred; (6) technology-base programs should be directed toward purely military engines rather than commercial derivatives. |
