Current
Problem: As robotic vehicles are introduced into hostile areas,
such vehicles are likely to be exposed to small arms fire. A small weapons attack can destroy or render
useless the robotic vehicle. Once
damaged, the vehicle must be retrieved from the attack zone, for its technology
cannot be made available to opposition forces.
In addition, to support military operations such vehicles must be able
to travel on all types of terrain and conditions.
Current Solution: By sloping the sides and bottom the
vehicle will deflect small weapons.
Integrating a jib crane assembly onto the outer shell of the vehicle
provides a self-contained means to retrieve a damaged vehicle, plus provide
support for vehicle maintenance and repair.
If the vehicle were to be flipped over due to an explosion or rough
terrain, an integrated self-contained system can be activated to right the
vehicle and assist retrieval.
Benefit: With sloped sides and high-strength steel the
performance level of the vehicle will increase. Additional performance will be achieved by adapting a series of
internal compartments. Such compartments
will be joined to add a wide range of engine and drive systems. In addition, these compartments can be added
or removed quickly from the primary frame assembly by use of the jib crane
assembly. This design will allow
damaged compartments to be quickly removed and/or replaced. As an example, battery-powered motor compartments
can replace the diesel engine and oil compartments. For extra protection, each compartment is made of steel.
