Development and evaluation of military track pads
by Lucas Dos Santos Freire, PPG, and Chris Tolliver, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), (Distribution A; approved for public release; distribution unlimited; OPSEC #7185).
The U.S. Army utilizes the A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) as a tactical asset in combat and peace operations. Track failure on Army systems, such as those in Bradley Fighting Vehicles, is a significant cost driver for the Army. In-field track failures result in the entire platoon being mobilized to protect the vehicle and crew, putting warfighters at risk in hostile areas. A track’s main failure mode is typically related to specialized rubber components, such as elastomeric bushings, backer pads, track pads and road wheels.