by David Crane
david@defensereview.com
When I look at the Ultra Armored Patrol Vehicle (a.k.a. Ultra AP concept vehicle), I just can’t help thinking about the "Tumbler" Batmobile from the latest Batman movie, Batman Begins. And, ya’ know, that’s probably not a bad thing. In the film, the "Tumbler" was one badass vehicle–and cool. So, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) may just be on the right track with this thing. In a nutshell, the Ultra AP is an ultra-modern 21st century lightweight and nimble armored vehicle that’s designed to significantly increase our infantry troops’ chances of survival while conducting 21st century warfare operations, including urban warfare and counterinsurgency ops. It’s purpose is to provide a lot of anti-ballistic protection in a fast and maneuverable package. The goal is to be able to protect it’s occupants from bullet strikes and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) via the advanced armor package, and then be able to get them outta’ Dodge real quick (via advanced automotive technologies) after taking the hit(s)–or even to be fast and maneuverable enough to avoid taking the hit(s) in the first place. Let’s hope the new Ultra AP armored vehicle concept proves to be up to the task(s). I guess we’ll see.
All photos shown below were taken by John F. Williams, U.S. Navy
September 12, 2005
Improving Survivability and Mobility: Concept Vehicle Illustrating New Options for Military Combat Vehicles to be Unveiled
– Safety with Performance: The ULTRA design explored the use of on-board computers to integrate steering, suspension and brakes to provide an unparalleled level of mobility and safety, Caille added. The new vehicle’s integrated chassis represents an advancement over the most advanced current production vehicles.
– The project’s goal was to develop a concept vehicle that illustrates design and technology options for increased survivablity and mobility for future vehicles.
deflection of pressure waves from blasts
compared to current configurations.
Georgia Institute of Technology
75 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30308 USA
(1) Kirk Englehardt, Georgia Tech Research Institute (cell: 678-557-2533) or (404-385-0280); E-mail: (kirk.englehardt@gtri.gatech.edu);
(2) John Toon, Georgia Institute of Technology (404-894-6986); E-mail: (john.toon@edi.gatech.edu);
(3) Jane Sanders, Georgia Institute of Technology (404-894-2214); E-mail: (jane.sanders@edi.gatech.edu);
(4) Office of Naval Research (703-696-5031); E-mail: (onrpao@onr.navy.mil).
Click here to read the original Georgia Tech Research News (GTRN) press release on the Ultra AP (Armored Patrol) concept vehicle, titled Improving Survivability and Mobility: Concept Vehicle Illustrating New Options for Military Combat Vehicles to be Unveiled.