US ARMY develops SMARTRUCK III

Vehicle Performance

The base vehicle for SMARTRUCK III is an International V-6 powered Crew Cab, 4200 series medium-duty platform. Its exterior reflects design elements of a military HMMWV and can accommodate existing shelter modules. Fitted with an air suspension that allows adjustable ride height, reduces storage space needed during air transportation and improves off-road performance.

By recovering a portion of the energy normally wasted as heat by the vehicle brakes, the SMARTRUCK III also boasts a hydraulic launch assist (HLA) that can provide a 25 - 35 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, a 30 percent reduction in emissions while also providing high torque very quickly, even at low speeds. The massive 37/12.50R20 Michelin XZL tires further SMARTRUCK III's performance capabilities, offering exceptional traction and handling on varied terrains including snow, sand, mud and highway.

Providing 8.5 kW of continuous power as needed, the Aura Systems' AuraGen G8500X underhood generator system serves as the primary power source for all add-on vehicle technologies, providing high quality AC/DC/Engine-off Silent Watch power as required, whether the vehicle is mobile or parked.'We're living in a new world,' said Wend, 'facing new kinds of threats to soldiers and civilians alike.

The SMARTRUCK III is designed to take on that environment and win.'The National Automotive Center is the Army's official link to working with commercial and academic partners to create vehicles that will give the Army the mobility, survivability and agility it needs to operate efficiently and effectively in today's new threat environment. For the military, the NAC's partnership approach makes it possible to improve vehicle performance, safety and endurance while also reducing design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance costs. For commercial partners, the application of jointly developed technologies has similar impacts - safer cars and trucks, more advanced technology available to the consumer and lower cost because of the broader market base.