SBIR-STTR Award

In order to provide a best of both world solution to the Army which provides the simplicity, reliability and cost effectiveness of a torsion bar suspension system with the flexibility and adjustment of a more costly and complex HSU system, GS Engineering will develop an in-vehicle torsion bar adjustment device.Leveraging decades of military tracked vehicle suspension expertise and starting with the concepts presented here, a system will be developed which meets all operational requirements for torque, speed, and durability, while also considering the severe packaging constraints present aboard a military tracked vehicle.At the conclusion of Phase I, the feasibility of the solution will be shown.This will give the vehicle designers a cost-effective solution for an adjustable suspension system, providing the US Army with expanded mobility and operational flexibility not currently possessed by conventional torsion bar systems.

While handling the heavy combat vehicles within the Armored Brigade Combat Team, the M60's torsion bar suspension is pushed well past the limits envisioned by the original designers of the M60 suspension. This has led to several performance issues which are currently overcome by users in the field placing wooden blocks in the suspension to rigidize selected roadwheel stations. GS Engineering has developed a simple and elegant solution for an adjustable suspension system. This system overcomes the issues currently experienced during extreme recovery operations by supplementing the torsion bar suspension system. The system can be deplyed from under armor, limiting exposure of personnel while improving the stability and mobility of the vehicle. During Phase I, the feasibility of this solution has been shown. During Phase II, GS Engineering will develop this solution into a fully mature, production ready upgrade kit for the US Army to restore lost capability to the M88A2 suspension system.