Meritor launches military vehicle manoeuvrability systems

Meritor has introduced two new systems designed to improve the traction and mobility of military vehicles in difficult terrain and weather conditions, called the SmartFlow Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and DriveCommand Drivetrain Control (DTC).

Both systems use an independently controlled Human Machine Interface (HMI) unit to deliver customised tire pressure and drivetrain management through mud, sand and snow, on highways and cross-country, and in emergency situations.

The lightweight systems mount in the cab or on the chassis of High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV), or can be integrated into any military vehicle with an onboard air compressor.

SmartFlow CTIS automatically monitors and adjusts tyre inflation as needed with a single pneumatic control unit (PCU), whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary. Tyre pressure can be altered to tyres independently or through all four tyres simultaneously, and the system detects when the tyre is leaking and will determine if it should continue inflating with air. According to the company, this functionality extends tyre and wheel component life and reduces maintenance costs.

The DriveCommand DTC drivetrain management system uses a single PCU to actively monitor and control front and rear locking differentials, and positions the transfer case for maximised traction to deliver improved performance over a wide range of terrain. DriveCommand DTC engages automatically when the driver selects a mobility mode on the HMI panel.

Tim Burns, vice president, North America, Meritor, said: ‘Both systems improve vehicle performance for warfighters in extreme conditions because drivers can easily control tyre pressure, differential locking and transfer case positioning. Our engineering investment in developing these two electronic systems extends our defence product line to include wheel valves and electronics. The systems can potentially cross over into other segments, including commercial vehicle.’