Focus on Electronics

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Developing a NAC for smart vehicles

NAC's SmarTruck will serve as an electronic test bed to demonstrate innovative automotive technologies that have both military and commercial applications.

On the opening day of SAE 2001 World Congress, the Warren, MI-based National Automotive Center (NAC) unveiled a concept vehicle it calls the SmarTruck packed with electronic devices designed to provide tactical advantages. The vehicle protects its occupants with bulletproof glass, Kevlar armor, and electric-shock door handles. It can navigate in the dark with GPS and can clear mine fields using a retractable, remotely operated turret equipped with a high-power laser. The radios, cell phones, and windows are all voice activated. And for the more theatrical driver, the truck is capable of deploying an oil slick and tire-puncturing tacks to disable pursuing vehicles.

NAC, part of the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), integrates commercial and military research in development and technology to improve the performance of military ground vehicles. It is evaluating how the SmarTruck's defensive and offensive technologies will fit the real-time needs of the U.S.'s ground forces in future combat. Because the SmarTruck involves alliances with U.S. automakers and their suppliers, there will probably be significant technology spillover to the commercial marketplace.

"Cooperative development efforts often can bring new technologies to the point of practicality faster, better, and at a lower cost," said Dennis Wend, NAC Director. "The Army's mission is changing in response to the changing nature of threats to our national security. We are part of an Army that is transforming itself into a force that is more agile, lethal, and responsive because that's what it will take to prevail. The U.S. automotive industry faces similar challenges."

Many of NAC's industrial and university partners were on hand to share their experiences at NAC's main exhibit. Integrated Concepts and Research Corp. is the systems integrator for the SmarTruck. MSX, a long-time NAC partner and global engineering and design specialist, designed and built the vehicle.

The SmarTruck features Delphi Automotive System's Quadrasteer, a four-wheel-steering system designed for full-size vehicles including long-bed and extended-cab pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, and similar sized military vehicles. Steering with all four wheels improves stability, handling, and control at higher speeds. Tight turns, evasive maneuvers, and off-road driving become easier, enabling a more agile military deployment.

The system combines conventional front-wheel steering with an electrically powered rear-wheel steering system and has four main components—a front-wheel position sensor, steerable solid hypoid rear axle, electric motor-driven actuator, and a control unit. Handwheel position and vehicle speed sensors continuously report data to the control unit, which determines the appropriate angle of the rear wheels. Algorithms are then used to determine the correct phase of operation.

Among the other companies displaying with NAC were Ford, which is partnering with NAC in the dual-use IMPACT (Improved Materials and Powertrain Architectures) program for the "21st Century Truck" program; Radian, Inc., developer of the Thermal Imaging Inspection Station, which can prevent accidents by detecting impending failures of brake systems and other components in vehicles; and Xcellsis, whose fuel-cell auxiliary power units use alternative fuels to reduce the logistics footprint of U.S. forces. Other suppliers included Audiovox, Raytheon, Engineered Machines Products, SAGE Electrochromics, Syntroleum Corp., and the Automotive Research Center.

- Jean L. Broge

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