Mine Resistant Armored Vehicle

• Main Authors: GEORGAS, JONATHAN W, NORTH, JOHN W, WILLIAMS, MICHAEL L, WHITE, JAMES E, BORDERS III, THOMAS E, JOYNT, VERNON P
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.01.2012
• Subjects: ARMOUR; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; ARMOURED TURRETS; BLASTING; HEATING; LIGHTING; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; WEAPONS

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a blast-resistant armored land vehicle. Wheels or tracks may be attached to the vehicle by an independent suspension. The vehicle may include a body comprised of sheet materials, the body having a centerline, an upper portion including opposite side portions, a first bottom portion defining a V, with the apex of the V substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and extending along a portion of the vehicle, and a second bottom portion defining a V, with the apex of the V substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and extending along another portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may further include an engine detachably affixed to the body, a transmission connected to the engine, and a drive train assembly connected to the engine. The drive train assembly being detachably affixed to the body. The first bottom portion further includes a metal energy-absorbing member extending longitudinally along within the interior of the first bottom portion. The energy absorbing member may be on the inside of the apex of the V and be held in position during the blast by its own inertia. The vehicle may also include a spine member having a V shaped cross section and extending along the entire length of the vehicle. All or a portion of the engine, transmission, and drive train assembly may be within the spine member. - 18 -