Jalopnik: US Military

America, Truck Yeah! Joint Light Tactical Vehicle

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:15:00 EDT

Remember when we went into the current conflict abroad with, lets say, less than proper equipment for the guerrilla warfare situation our ground troops would find? Remember how the quick fix was to up-armor the existing Humvee's to protect the troops inside as best as could be managed? Well, this is a possible long term solution. Currently a contender in the bid phase for the contract to provide the next generation of light infantry and cargo support, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is a whopping slice of armor toting badass. Sporting a V-hull design similar to the one found on the RG33L MRRMV, the JLTV offers protection and capabilities which would make the venerable old Humvee blush with envy.

The 16,000 lb JLTV is a joint effort between BAE and Navistar, whose International MaxxPro we saw at the Chicago Auto Show, to compete against as many as 8 other suitors for the lucrative contract. We can't show you the guts of this beast yet as there are trade secrets involved, but lets just say it's got some nice aces up its sleeve. Anyone else think it's funny how an eight ton vehicle is classified as "light". Given the pending demise of the Hummer H2, we're imagining a sea of these babies clapped out with 30" triple chrome Daytons, Alcantara headliners, 50" plasma TVs and complete daycares for the kids in back.

RG33L Mine Resistant Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EDT

It's not often you get to play around with giant prototype military tow trucks, but then again, you don't get to drive robotic tanks every day either. The RG33L MRRMV is a platform modified version of the now in theater MRAP, or Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. Basically a big-ass truck with a V-shaped blast force dissipating hull. This particular model is equipped with all the goodies necessary to go out and drag home up to forty tons of disabled vehicle.The extending boom crane can is capable of deadlifting twenty two tons.

The crane isn't the only "weapon" in its dragging-shit-around arsenal - it also has a tilting and telescoping lift and tow bar good for 40 tons, and a 40 ton winch. All of these goodies can be operated wirelessly from ground level or in the cabin with the help of two rear mounted cameras. Just in case you need to do a little on location work, it has a built in Mig welder, a metal cutting system (no details) and a complete array of mechanics tools. Of course, when on site, you'll want to keep things quiet and under control, so there's a standard powered weapons ring mounted up top with a big old machine gun. Getting up in the cab is like going to planet rock for a climb and the doors are tiny so you better be flexible to get in. Once planted though, the cabin is actually pretty roomy. The truck is designed to operate with a crew of two, with two extra jump seats in the back. We went for a spin around the lot and left the pushbutton selected trans in first, so this thing was wailing away with power. A little part of me wanted Matt, the driver, to start bashing through walls just because he could. It was like riding in a full size Tonka truck made of my boyhood dreams. Epic.

Jalopnik Drives Real Live Tank By Remote Control, Can Now Die Happy

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:59:00 EDT

Guess who got handed the manual remote control pendant for BAE Systems' Black Knight fully autonomous tank? Yeh, I'm in as much shock as you are but can't stop thinking "Holy shit, I drove a robot tank! ROBOT. TANK." The 12-ton Unmanned Combat Vehicle (UCV) was developed by BAE Systems as an internal test bed for next generation technologies in ground warfare support. The Black Knight (we love the name, so take that Batman) is powered by a 300 HP Cat diesel and although it's quiet as a mouse is capable of up to 48 MPH. It's the largest robot with a safety release from the US military and has undergone field testing at Fort Benning. The tank can operate up to 15 MPH autonomously or by way of pendant in a command vehicle like an A3 Bradley from distances as far as three miles away. By the way, did I mention I DROVE A FREAKIN' ROBOT TANK? And now, since we did drive it, it's only fair to give it the good ol' Jalopnik Review treatment below the jump, star ratings and everything:

Exterior Design: *****
It's a robot tank in desert brown, it has a 20mm cannon and tracks. 5 stars aren't enough.

Interior Design: **
It doesn't really have an interior, but since it can be operated from long range, you can be pretty much anywhere within 3 miles and run it, so the outside is the inside. We were standing in a parking lot in Sterling Heights and it was cold out. 2 stars.

Acceleration: Inc.
How do you gauge the acceleration of a tank? The Black Knight stayed in first gear, I wasn't in it, it seemed pretty responsive when I was driving it (Did we mention I DROVE A FREAKIN' ROBOT TANK?!?) but there's no way to say whether the acceleration was good or bad.

Braking: ****
Stellar. As you can see from the video, the tank stops like it's hitting a brick wall. With no need to prevent broken noses on passengers it can stop however hard it feels like.

Ride: Zero Stars
Better than a 1982 Corvette, but that's sure not saying much. We award it zero stars and may God have mercy upon the rears of any souls unfortunate enough to need a ride inside.

Handling: **
Er, how does a remote controlled tank handle? How about this — it did exactly what I asked it to do. A pirouette? Sure. Straight line? Right away, sir. Does it count if I felt the Earth move because the Earth was actually vibrating from it? No? Then it gets what it has coming to it.

Gearbox: Inc.
Without a shifter to throw or a seat to throw it from we couldn't tell how good or bad the cog-swapper was. Not only that, but the Black Knight's handlers kept the thing in first so, you know, no drag racing to be had in the parking lot.

Audio: **
There's no audio system save the gentle hum of the Cat diesel pushing it along. In fact, the tracks are actually nearly silent front the coat of rubber on them. But that's a far sight better than a few in-car radio systems we've experienced.

Toys: *****
Did we mention this a fully autonomous tank (OMG, I just remembered, I DROVE A FREAKIN' ROBOT TANK!!) with a 20mm cannon capable of real time obstacle detection and independent situational awareness? Yeah, cause it's got that. Again: Robot. Freakin'. Tank.

Value: Inc.
Depends. We don't know how much the price tag is on this system. But how do you put a value on keeping your soldiers out of nasty fire fights? That's for congressional appropriations committees to decide.

Overall: *****
FREAKIN'. AUTONOMOUS. ROBOT.TANK.

Chicago Auto Show: International MaxxPro

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

International didn't just bring it's super ~~shredder~~ semi, the International LoneStar to the show. They also brought the US Military's latest wheeled transport, the International MaxxPro. The imposing vehicle is basically a purpose-built mobile bomb shelter, capable of taking a hit from any direction, as well as fording bodies of water as deep as 36 inches, just for the hell of it. When we opened the door—or more precisely, tried to open the door—we had to abandon all all our stuff and put our weight behind the effort. The thick armor plated doors were almost as heavy as the ones on an old Mark VIII. While the Humvee is impressive in its general-purpose skills, this thing is just a plain beast. We want a test drive of the take home version. Any vehicle with gun portals gets an "A" in our book.

INTERNATIONAL MaxxPrO™ MaxxPro,™ the International® Mine Protected Vehicle. Built to withstand ballistic arms fire, mineblasts, IEDs, and nuclear, biological, and chemical environments that threaten the safety of its crew. Armoring flexibility allows upgrades to achieve the correct level of protection the mission requires. And International's proven severe service platform means quality, durability and reliability are on the battlefield. The International MPV. Miles Ahead. In protection and progress.
MaxxPro and Maxxpro XL Basic Specifications
Length: 254"- 282"
Width: 99"
Height: 120"
Wheel Base: 153"- 176"
Ground Clearance (Center of Vehicle): 14"
Ground Clearance (Differential Clearance): 11"
Angle of Approach: 58°
Angle of Departure: 46°- 48°
Gradeability: 70% low range
Side Slope: 30%
Mass Tare (GVM): 27,850-29,850 lbs
Payload: 3,650-11,150 lbs
GVWR: 31,500-41,000 lbs
Seating: 2-man crew plus 4-10 passengers
Configuration: 4 x 4
Turning Circle: 58'-68'
protection levels
Ballistic Protection: Armor and glass protection to meet mission needs
Mine Protection: Specialized 'V'-shaped hull design protects against mine/IED blasts
Engine
Make: International® I6 Diesel
Type: Turbo inter-cooled, direct electronic injection, four stroke
Displacement: 8.7 L (530 ci)
Emission Standard: EPA 2005
Maximum Power: 330 hp @ 2,100 rpm
Power/Mass Ratio: 18.9 - 20 hp/US ton
Maximum Torque: 1,150 ft-lbs @ 2,100 rpm
Batteries: 4 x 12-volt Batteries
Alternator: 400 amps
Other Features:
• Blackout lights
• Diamond Logic® Electrical System
Transmission
Make: Allison 3000
Type: 5-Speed Automatic
Trans fer Case
Make: 4 x 4 Two-Speed
Steering System
Steering Type: Hydraulically assisted recirculating ball axles
Front Axle: 16,000 lbs - 20,000 lbs Drive/Steer
Rear Axle: 21,000 lbs - 23,000 lbs Drive
Suspension
Springs: Semi-elliptical leaf springs
Shock Absorbers: Double acting telescopic hydraulic
Service Brakes: Full air brakes with ABS and traction control
Parking Brakes: Air-activated, hand-operated, rear axle brakes
Fording Depth: 36" without preparation
Wheels and tires
Rims: 10" x 20"
Tires: 395/85R20
Run Flats: optional