Armored Target Chassis for Reusable 3D Mobility Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targets for training personnel in engaging vehicles with munitions are either limited by being two-dimensional, non-reusable, or excessively heavy and costly when attempting to create a realistic three-dimensional, reusable target.
Innovation Solution
A target chassis with a lightweight, armored design featuring a front and rear armored enclosure, driven wheels, suspension, and dampers, along with an electric motor and battery pack for propulsion, and a steering mechanism to simulate vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle-sized target is covered with armor plating to make it reusable, then the target can withstand multiple hits, but the weight increases to more than 5 tones
Solution Approach 1:
The armored enclosure is divided into multiple modular panels that can be attached to a lightweight chassis frame. This segmentation allows the armor to be distributed across the structure rather than requiring a solid block of armor, reducing overall weight while maintaining protective coverage for critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
Armor plating is applied selectively only to areas requiring protection (engine compartment, cabin, critical mechanical components) rather than covering the entire vehicle surface. This localized armor application significantly reduces weight while still providing sufficient protection for the target to be reusable after hits to non-critical areas.
2Reliability
If a vehicle-sized target is covered with armor plating to make it reusable, then the target can withstand multiple hits, but the cost of production and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The armored enclosure uses modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This allows for standardized production processes, easier replacement of damaged sections, and reduced overall manufacturing cost compared to building a complete armored vehicle shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The target uses a simplified armored chassis that copies only the essential protective features of a real armored vehicle without replicating the full complexity and cost of a production armored vehicle. The chassis replicates the protective function rather than the complete vehicle system.
3Reliability
If a vehicle-sized target is covered with armor plating to make it reusable, then the target can withstand multiple hits, but the energy requirements to move the target increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The armored structure is segmented into a lightweight chassis framework with distributed armor panels, reducing the total mass that requires propulsion. This segmentation enables the use of smaller, more energy-efficient motors while still providing adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying armor only where structurally necessary rather than uniformly across the entire vehicle surface, the overall weight is reduced, thereby decreasing the energy required for movement while maintaining sufficient protection for reusable operation.
4Ease of operation
If a two-dimensional target is used, then the target can be moved across a range realistically, but the target can only be viewed side on
Solution Approach 1:
The target transitions from a two-dimensional flat silhouette to a three-dimensional armored chassis structure. This dimensional change allows the target to be viewed from multiple angles (front, rear, sides) while maintaining mobility across the range, providing both realistic movement and multi-angle engagement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A target chassis for a target for use in training personnel in engaging vehicles with munitions include a front armored enclosure, a rear armored enclosure which is spaced away from the front armored enclosure, a set of front wheels associated with the front armored enclosure, and a set of rear wheels associated with the rear armored enclosure.