Durable Wheel End Drive for Amphibious Vehicles
ID: N241-001Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Durable Wheel End Drive for Amphibious Vehicles

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479677

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Nov 29, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Jan 3, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Durable Wheel End Drive for Amphibious Vehicles" as part of their SBIR 24.1 BAA solicitation. The objective is to design and develop a new or improved drive axle for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) with greater durability in an amphibious environment. The current wheel end drives on the ACV use traditional Constant Velocity (CV) Joints that require excessive maintenance. The DOD is interested in innovative approaches to develop a more durable wheel end drive, either by protecting the current CV Boots, replacing the Boot with a more durable material, or redesigning the joint.

The proposed concepts should address extreme operating environments, including temperature ranges from -40°F to +120°F, hot desert blowing sand, salt water immersion, and operation in surf zones and mud. The wheel end drive should also be able to withstand various loads and forces, such as 3 g-force vertical load, 0.7 G horizontal load, NATO tree impact, and fatigue loads for a 30-year vehicle life. It should support steering on slopes and have specific torque, angle, and rotation speed capabilities.

The project will be conducted in multiple phases. Phase I involves designing a more durable wheel end drive and demonstrating its feasibility through modeling or testing. Phase II focuses on developing a scaled prototype for evaluation and refining it based on performance goals. Phase III involves transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use, integrating the prototype into a vehicle, and providing support during test and validation. The technology has potential applications in large military vehicles and amphibious rescue vehicles, with potential benefits including weight and complexity reduction in the suspension.

The solicitation was released on November 29, 2023, and the application due date was February 21, 2024. For more information and to access the solicitation, visit the DOD SBIR 24.1 BAA page on grants.gov (https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479677) or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page (https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).

Files
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