Design, Development and Fabrication of M1A1 Composite Roadwheels

摘要

This report documents a program to design, develop and fabricate a compositeroadwheel for the M1A1 tank. The roadwheel incorporates composite materials to reduce net weight when compared to the aluminum counterpart. The original design weight for the M1 tank was 58 tons. Additional capabilities, such as improvements introduced in the Block I program, have led to significant weight growth of the vehicle. The current M1A1 vehicle being manufactured by GDLS weighs 65 tons. Planned improvements in survivability, track and Block II will lead to a 70 ton vehicle if weight growth is not offset by weight reduction in the base vehicle platform. A 70-ton tank will lead to severe transportability problems and may impact some key automotive performance parameters.