Comparison of the Ride and Shock Responses of the M60 STB and m60 HSS/ATB Hybrid Tanks.

摘要

A summary of the previous ride and shock tests with the various M60 Improved Suspension Configurations is presented. This summary is followed by a description of the final series of ride and shock tests in the M60 Improved Suspension Program. These tests were conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to obtain data on the ride and shock characteristics of an M60 tank equipped with a mix of hydropneumatic (HSS) and advanced torsion bar (ATB) suspensions. This hybrid configuration, which is referred to as the M60 HSS/ATB hybrid tank, was recommended by the Scientific Advisory Group as the most feasible and cost-effective suspension configuration. Experimental tests wree conducted with the M60 HSS/ATB and an M60 with standard torsion bar suspensions (M60 STB), which served as a reference for comparison. No significant difference was noted in the ride performance of the two tanks; however, the M60 HSS/ATB could negotiate discrete obstacles at faster speeds than the M60 STB. These relational patterns agreed with those developed from the previous ride and shock tests, i.e., there were no significant differences in ride performance, but the tanks with the improved suspensions could negotiate discrete obstacles at faster speeds. This advantage was attributed to the extended wheel travel of the improved suspensions.