The American Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has developed a transforming wheel for light armored vehicles, which can serve as both a wheel and a caterpillar propeller, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports.
Work on the creation of the transformer was carried out within the framework of the GXV-T program, aimed at improving the mobility, efficiency and survivability of military equipment without additional strengthening of armor.
A product test video has recently appeared on the web. The device was mounted on an HMMWV armored vehicle.
When moving on a solid surface, the product has the shape of a wheel, however, on loose soil it is converted into a caterpillar propulsion device: the device stops rotating and takes a triangular shape. After that, the tread begins to move, turning into a caterpillar.
In addition, the work of the so-called wheel motor was demonstrated, in the propeller of which an electric motor and a planetary gearbox are built. The electric motor itself and the brakes are liquid-cooled.
Among other developments, the attention of the military was attracted by the adaptive suspension, which keeps the vehicle body in a horizontal position when driving over a section of terrain with a strong roll. The suspension also effectively dampens vibration when driving on uneven (bumpy) surfaces.
In addition, "augmented reality systems" are called promising, which are designed to simplify the management of manned and unmanned vehicles.
Promotional video:
