Army unveils its latest all-composite truck cab
TPI Composites Inc. (TPI), Warren, R.I., and representatives from Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., unveiled a new light-weight, all-composite truck cab for the U.S. Army's tactical wheeled vehicle fleet.
The all-composite cab is light,
durable, and strong enough to
carry the heaviest armor and
mine-blast protection, says TPI.
It will let soldiers carry more
armor, ammunition, and equip
ment because it weighs hundreds
of pounds less than cabs constructed with conventional materials. For example, it can accommodate 400 more pounds than
its aluminum-based counterpart.
The cab is also said to be able to carry the
latest armor, something the aluminum design can't do. This would allow for a weight
savings far exceeding 400 lb.
TPI collaborated on this project with
Oshkosh Truck and the University of Delaware's Center for Composite Materials.
"This technology, along with advanced
armor, let us increase reliability, performance, and protection of platforms on
which it is installed. It is a leap forward in
vehicle manufacturing," says John Stod
dart, executive vice-president, and president Oshkosh Truck defense.
The prototype vehicle will go to Aberdeen this summer for road testing. Additional prototypes are expected by year
end.
Oshkosh Truck Corp., (920) 235-9150,
oshkoshtruck.com
TPI Composites Inc. (401) 247-4010,
tpicomposites.com