U.S. Army Ready For CombattThe U.S. Army, like many civilians, is finding that you get more truck for the buck by leasing rather than buying. And with a huge but aging light-truck fleet, the army is pushing steadily ahead with the development of COMBATT: a COMmercially BAsed Tactical Truck. DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and AM General recently rolled out their COMBATT concept vehicles, which included beefed-up versions of the Ford F-350 and the Dodge Ram 2000 pickups for cargo and troop-carrying duties, plus a modified HMMWV (or Hummer to civilians).
Leasing these commercial trucks is a very attractive option to the military. After three or four years, the trucks would be returned to the manufacturer to be refurbished and resold. And with today's market for 4x4s, that means high residual values that would minimize costs of ownership for the Army. Per vehicle cost would also be considerably less when produced on today's high-volume assembly lines. By tying into commercial trucks, which are constantly being improved, the military would continually have the latest technology for relatively little investment.
Because these vehicles would later be used by civilians, the COMBATT program calls for the trucks to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emission standards, including occupant restraints, airbags, crash protection, and all the other safety features found in commercial trucks.
To enhance off-road mobility and payload capacity, the Ford and the Dodge feature adjustable, supplemental Firestone air springs; electronically controlled, variable-damping Bilstein shocks; Dana Hydra-Lok differentials; the Dana Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS); and 35-inch Goodyear 12.50R17 MT/R tires fit with Hutchenson run-flat inserts. The trucks are also fit with skidplates, military-grade pintle hooks, winches, and brushbars. Electrical systems provide 12-volt, military 24-volt, and 110-volt AC power.
The COMBATT HMMWV required fewer modifications, with safety features being the primary focus. The HMMWV's doors now meet the FMVSS side-impact protection requirements. Simula developed Inflatable Tubular Structure and Inflatable Tubular Torso Restraint systems for improved passenger protection.
All three COMBATT designs have the Eaton Vorad Collision Warning System (CWS) with its radar system that scans in front and to the side of a vehicle to warn of other vehicles and objects. Warning lights and audible tones alert the driver to potential accidents or dangerous situations. A full flat-panel display screen replaces the regular dashboard display so that the driver only has to look across his line of vision to see the information needed.
Ordinary dealers could perform maintenance during peacetime so the Army would not have to stock large quantities of spare parts, purchase large amounts of diagnostic and repair equipment, or train as many mechanics. And of course, very little driver training would be required since the trucks would handle and perform similar to civilian trucks.Bill Siuru