Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) program is aimed at overcoming the trend for heavier, less mobile and more expensive combat equipment. The limitations of current equipment inhibit the military's ability for rapid deployment and hamper maneuverability, while also restricting mobile equipment to roads.

DARPA GXV-T driving on a slope. Source: DARPA

DARPA has been investigating revolutionary technologies, such as a shape-shifting wheel, referred to as a Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT), that can transform from a round tire to a triangular tank-type track on the fly. This allows the vehicle to drive on roads at high speeds and off-highway, as well as in mud, sand or snow.

An additional advancement is placing the electric motor directly into the wheel, which has advantages in both maneuverability and acceleration while optimizing torque, traction, power and speed.

Multi-mode Extreme Travel Suspension (METS), another DARPA innovation, is designed to allow high-speed travel over rough terrain while minimizing discomfort to the occupants. The demonstrator vehicle incorporates a unique high-travel suspension system that can extend up to 42 inches upward or 30 inches downward. This allows the vehicle to remain horizontal while driving on steep grades. Each wheel can adjust independently via a hydraulic suspension system.

In addition to these mobility enhancements, DARPA has also made several innovations in the area of crew augmentation.

• Enhanced 360-degree Awareness with Virtual Windows - active wraparound window displays combined with 3D near-to-eye goggles and optical head tracker provide a real-time high-resolution view of what is outside the vehicle.
• Virtual Perspectives Augmenting Natural Experience (V-PANE) - data from several vehicle-mounted video and LIDAR cameras are combined to create a real-time 3D model of the vehicle and its surroundings.
• Off-Road Crew Augmentation (ORCA) - ORCA predicts the safest and fastest route in real time and enables the vehicle to drive itself off-road if necessary.

Visit DARPA to see more details on the GSV-T technology advancements.