Enhanced Terramechanics Lab on Loam & Sand

Cadets from Powertrains and Vehicle Dynamics conducted an enhanced terramechanics lab vicinity south dock and Blaik Field. New this year, cadets operated both a wheeled and tracked platform in two soil types: loam and sand. The Polaris M-RZR was outfitted with a track conversion kit to provide off-road vehicle performance values to compare and contrast the advantages and challenges associated with wheels and tracks on militarily relevant surfaces. The conversion kit replaces the standard pneumatic tires with a track system that greatly enhances traction and mobility in sand, mud, and snow. The results of the lab are of interest to both industry and Special Operations mobility experts that are exploring enhancements to the Ultralight Tactical Vehicle (UTV) platforms.