Product Improvement Test of Sheridan Weapon System, M551, Arctic/Universal Track and Wide Sprocket Wheel (Engineering Evaluation Phase).

• Main Author: Morris, Donald F.
• Other Authors: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD MATERIEL TESTING DIRECTORATE
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1971
• Subjects: Combat Vehicles; *VEHICLE TRACKS; *TANKS(COMBAT VEHICLES); PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING); DRIVES; TRAFFICABILITY; FAILURE(MECHANICS); EVALUATION; M-551 VEHICLES; PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT TESTS; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0883165; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0883165

The engineering test of the Arctic/Universal Track and Wide Sprocket Wheel was conducted by Aberdeen Proving Ground from January 1970 to February 1971. Tests were conducted to determine if the arctic/universal track would be satisfactory for world-wide application. A Sheridan, M551, AR/AAV vehicle, serial No. 701, was used as the test vehicle. Data from inspection comparison and previous engineering tests were used where possible. When performance data were not available, testing was conducted with standard T138 tracks installed on the test vehicle. Durability testing was performed on gravel, paved, hilly cross-country, and level cross-country in a cyclic sequential manner. Significant improvements in basic vehicle performance when using the arctic track were noted in the areas of drawbar pull, longitudinal slopes, and over-all mobility. Performance areas where no significant differences exist between use of the arctic or standard track are acceleration, side slope operation, braking, maximum speed, water performance, fuel consumption, and vibration amplitude severity. During durability testing, 14 shortcomings were reported. Of these, track show bushing failures were the most predominant and account for 6 of the 14 reported. (Author)