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Archive for the ‘Mobility’ Category

DECKED Reveals Next-Generation of Drawer Systems for Pickup Trucks

Monday, October 30th, 2023

Complete redesign of award-winning truck bed storage system provides optimized storage and gear management for outdoor adventurers

DECKED, manufacturer of premium, American-made storage and organization systems for mid to full-sized pickup trucks, unveils its second generation of drawer systems nearly a decade after transforming the disorganized chaos of truck beds with its first award-winning solutions in 2014. The upgraded systems were completely re-engineered to provide increased drawer storage capacity, more efficient use of truck bed space, increased drawer extension, and integrated cargo tie-down solutions. DECKED drawer systems create a flat load floor in the bed of the truck which is perfect for use as a sleeping platform or loading heavy objects like ATVs and motorcycles, and below the deck, full-bed-length weatherproof drawers efficiently secure gear, tools, and essentials for any adventure.

“After ten years of listening to the feedback from our most rigorous testers and critics, and constantly improving our products, it was time to scrap the old playbook and overhaul the design of our system from scratch,” said DECKED VP of Marketing, Greg Randolph. “DECKED’s new family of systems is a total redesign that uses new molds and tools as well as our very own in-house manufacturing. This is a huge leap forward for the customer and for DECKED.”

DECKED’s all-new drawer systems are offered in two distinct configurations: full-size pickup trucks and cargo vans and mid-size trucks. For the first time, the midsize drawer system isn’t a scaled-down version of the full-size and is completely re-envisioned to better suit the use cases and limited bed space of modern midsize trucks. Both of these offerings address and solve concerns around wasted bed space, drawer usage and function, weatherproofing, and cargo management. Additionally, new molding technology has improved impact resistance and durability by over 25-percent.

Full-size Truck Drawer Systems

Drawer Performance Improvements and Specs

Boasting the same 2,000-lb payload capacity and 200-lb per drawer weight rating, the full-size drawer system still weighs in at 200-220 lbs, depending on bed length. Focusing on drawer functionality, DECKED increased drawer extension, making reaching the back of an open drawer easy and practical. The drawer itself is noticeably larger at an 18-inch width with an updated square profile that increases volume by over 10-percent per drawer in a form factor more conducive to storing commonly shaped items.

Added Cargo Tie Downs

Addressing the complaint of the system covering bed tie downs, users will notice the addition of topside cargo tie downs integrated into the outbound edge of the deck of the system. Eight tie down locations (four per side) have been added with a D-ring tie down system, which lies flat and countersunk in the surface when not in use. These tie downs make a steel-to-steel connection with factory bed tie-downs for a 400-lb load rating. The drawer system still utilizes factory bed tie-downs for a drill-free installation in nearly all fitments.

Greater Truck Bed Space Efficiency, Increased Storage

Also new and vastly improved is the removal of corner bins called “Ammo Cans”, which formerly connected the system to the truck bed and offered small additional storage compartments. In their place, users will find an uninhibited pass-through to the wheel well both fore and aft outbound of the drawers. This not only enables storage of longer items, like camp chairs, but also makes access to side-mounted electrical outlets without any modifications possible, reducing wasted space in the bed to just the center support beam. These passthroughs are covered from above by waterproof and lockable stash bin lids. DECKED also includes four removable Stash Bins that lock into these openings from above and can be used or not in any of the four corner locations.

Enhanced Weatherproofing

DECKED has always been clear that its drawers are not Tupperware-tight, but very effective at keeping the elements out. Designers increased protection from the outside environment by adding cabside and drawer-side panels that enclose the drawers in a protective shield as well redesigning the drawer face to better seal against the elements. These additions vastly reduce the amount of air that can swirl around in the bed and possibly deposit dust or other airborne particulate matter into drawers.

Mid-Size Truck Drawer Systems

Complete Redesign

Seeking to maximize storage capacity and eliminate wasted space in the bed, DECKED created one “Super Drawer” to replace the two asymmetrical drawers previously offered. Reducing the system payload requirement from 2,000 lbs to 1,000 lbs more accurately reflects the use cases and capacities of modern mid-size trucks. It also enabled engineers to create the single Super Drawer with a 400-lb payload rating. The Super Drawer spans from wheel well to wheel well and runs the full length of the bed. With 30-percent more drawer storage capacity than previous versions, midsize customers will now have more than enough space for their tools, camping gear, or bug-out essentials. This drawer can also be reconfigured into a big sliding tray by removing the drawer sides for better access and storage customization with DECKED’s line of D-co Cases. Improvements in drawer extension were also realized with a 3.0-inch extension gain in 5.0-foot beds and 8.0 inches in 6.0-foot beds, leaving a scant 14 inches of the drawer supported under the deck when fully extended.

Maximized Efficiency

Similar to the full-size system, users will find that the “Ammo Can” corner bins have been deleted and in their place are two pass-throughs, one on each outbound side, reaching from the tailgate to the wheel well — and even beyond, in some fitments. Mid-size systems have two stash bin access ports, one on each side, which are also covered by a waterproof and lockable lid. Four Stash Bins come included for dropping into these locations as desired. On the cabside end, the system is fitted with two access ports that pop open to provide access to any space left unoccupied by the wheel wells outbound of the drawer.

Added Cargo Tie-Downs

The mid-size Drawer System features six burly 400-lb load-rated steel-to-steel bed tie-down locations atop the deck, three on either side. Just as in the full-size, cargo tie-downs are integrated into the outbound edge of the deck of the system using a D-ring tie down system. When not in use, these D-ring tie-downs lie flat, countersunk in the surface.

Enhanced Weatherproofing

Just as in the full-size update, increased protection from the outside environment has been realized by adding cabside and drawer-side closeout panels which wrap the drawers in a protective shield as well as a more effective drawer face seal against the elements. These additions vastly reduce the amount of air which can swirl around in the bed and possibly deposit dust or other airborne particulate matter into the drawer.

To learn more about DECKED and the second generation of drawer systems, visit: decked.com/products/decked-drawers

GM Defense and Anduril Announce Teaming Agreement

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and Anduril Industries, Inc. announced a teaming agreement, establishing a framework to collaborate on defense program capture activities. The team is focused on delivering autonomy solutions, battery electrification and other new propulsion technologies, as well as those integrating the full range of Anduril technologies onto GM Defense mobility solutions.

During the Association of the U.S. Army tradeshow in Washington, D.C. both companies showcased variations of the proven and fielded Infantry Squad Vehicle. GM Defense had a four-seat Multi-Mission and Logistics ISV equipped with Anduril loitering munitions. Anduril hosted GM Defense’s nine-Soldier ISV, currently fielded to the U.S. Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, in addition to Lattice, Anduril’s sensor, network, and system-agnostic open software platform, for land systems command and control.

“GM Defense has a strong strategic alignment with Anduril as we are both focused on bringing disruptive new technologies into the defense and government marketplace to deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “We feel this is a powerful team, and together we can make a strong offering for key U.S. defense programs while assessing other global opportunities.”

With experience in ground vehicle autonomy, sensing, vehicle safety systems and connected vehicle fleet analytics, GM Defense develops solutions based on the advanced technologies of its parent company, General Motors, that help advance warfighter capabilities with some of the most advanced technologies available on the commercial market.

Anduril is a leading provider of advanced defense technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated defense solutions. “We are thrilled to be working with GM Defense to produce new capabilities for land systems. Advanced software for mission-level autonomy can transform ground systems, and GM Defense will be a critical teammate to deliver next-generation land systems for warfighters around the world,” said Anduril Industries CEO, Brian Schimpf.

For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn

AUSA 23 – AZAK

Tuesday, October 10th, 2023

Every trade show I see something extraordinary and for AUSA, AZAK is it. This small company has developed an electric drive train which is contained within the wheel. The wheels can be combined with simple frame systems to create vehicles like this self propelled trailer or a bike.

Each wheel weights about 50 lbs with most of the weight below the hub. The next generation will add about 8 lbs to that. That offers a great deal of torque with independant power to each wheel. There’s also room at the top of the inside of the wheel to double the size of the battery. Additionally, they are considering ways to armor the wheel assembly.

It currently uses the Tomahawk Robotics controller for steering inputs and changes the speed of different wheels to facilitate actual steering. Finally, the range is currently about 60 miles at a top speed of 11 mph.

Mack Defense To Show Mack AC Model At AUSA 2023

Tuesday, October 10th, 2023

ALLENTOWN, PA – Mack Defense announced today that it will show a classic Mack® AC at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 9 –11, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The Mack AC model is a heavy cargo truck that was used extensively during World War I with the British and American forces. Featuring a chain drive rear axle and an uncommon radiator that sat behind the engine, the AC model earned a reputation for toughness on the battlefields of Europe. Its tenacity earned it the nickname “Bulldog” by the British forces, which ultimately led to Mack adopting the Bulldog as its corporate symbol.

“Mack has a long and storied history as a provider of military vehicles to the U.S. Armed Forces,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “The AC model on display in the Mack Defense booth is not only an example of the truck that inspired our Bulldog symbol, but its performance on the battlefield earned the reputation for durability and reliability that we still celebrate more than 100 years later.”

On loan from the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the 1927 Mack AC model featured in the Mack Defense display in Halls D&E, Booth 8333 is a five-ton heavy truck powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 69 horsepower to the rear wheels. The truck was delivered to Ayer & McKinney of New York City on April 30, 1927.

Mack Defense announced earlier this year that it received an additional order for 135 M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDTs), which is part of a firm-fixed price $296 million contract over seven years awarded by the Army in 2018. With that order, 60 HDTs are being purchased by the U.S. Army Reserve, 74 are being funded by the Presidential budget and one is being purchased by the U.S. Navy. With this tranche, a total of 446 HDTs have been ordered to date.

In addition, Mack Defense is one of four finalists for the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program and will be delivering three prototype vehicles by January 2024. The prototypes will be tested and evaluated to determine the final requirements for the next generation of trucks to ultimately begin modernization and replacement of the Army’s fleet of approximately 35,000 heavy tactical trucks, which perform a wide range of combat logistics and support missions.

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle on Display at AUSA

Monday, October 9th, 2023

With Executive Order 14057 requiring the Department of Defense to transition its non-tactical vehicles to a 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet, including 100% of light-duty acquisitions by 2027 and 100% of medium- and heavy-duty acquisitions by 2035, there’s an increased interest in Commercial Off The Shelf electric vehicles.

Polaris will be showing their Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle at AUSA in booth

The RANGER XP Kinetic is an electric version of the Polaris RANGERs already in the motor pool which are primarily used for off-road, on-base transportation, hauling and towing.

It offers 110 horsepower, 140lb-ft of torque and the ability to tow 2,500 pounds and haul 1,250 pounds with three drive modes, Eco+, Standard and Sport.

Offered in two models, the RANGER XP Kinetic’s drivetrain features fewer moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easier radio and face-to-face conversations as well as greater situational awareness. The RANGER XP Kinetic also boasts a rigid one-piece chassis, full-body skid plate and large front bumper to deliver maximum protection to the operator and vehicle. Ground clearance of 14 inches, 10 inches of suspension travel and 29-inch Pro Armor X-Terrain tires further increase durability of the RANGER XP Kinetic in even the roughest terrain.

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium – 14.9kWh battery (Li-Ion technology) delivering up to ~45-mile range

XP Kinetic Ultimate – 29.8kWh battery (Li-Ion technology) delivering up to ~80-mile range

RANGER XP Kinetic Features:

– All-electric powertrain gives customers a sustainable option for off-road work

– The RANGER XP Kinetic has the ability to decrease total cost of ownership, reduce CO2 emissions and operate quietly

– Polaris UTVs have been replacing full-size trucks and vans for decades

– A full-size EV averages $66,000

– A budget-friendly alternative to full-sized vehicles, Polaris UTVs are less expensive to purchase, operate and maintain.

– This all-new, all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic is a significant offering for our government customers that need to incorporate more electric vehicles into their fleet without sacrificing utility, performance or durability

– Meets mandates for customers with limitations on combustion fleet expansion

– Provides full accessories of gas-powered, e.g. winch, cabs, cargo, etc.

– Class-leading 110 horsepower

– 140lb-ft of torque

– 2,500 lbs towing

– 1,250 lbs payload in the rear cargo box – 25% more than any other side-by-side

– 14” ground clearance

See the Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle in booth #2917.

Army Announces Plans for M1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization

Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – The U.S. Army announced today the path forward for the M1E3 Abrams Main Battle Tank modernization program.

The Army will close out the M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 effort and develop M1E3 Abrams, which will focus on making the capability improvements needed to fight and win against future threats on the battlefield of 2040 and beyond.

“We appreciate that future battlefields pose new challenges to the tank as we study recent and ongoing conflicts” said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team. “We must optimize the Abrams’ mobility and survivability to allow the tank to continue to close with and destroy the enemy as the apex predator on future battlefields.”

“The Abrams Tank can no longer grow its capabilities without adding weight, and we need to reduce its logistical footprint,” said Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems. “The war in Ukraine has highlighted a critical need for integrated protections for Soldiers, built from within instead of adding on.”

The Abrams Main Battle Tank is a full-tracked, low-profile, land-combat assault weapon that enables Soldiers to dominate their adversaries through lethal firepower, unparalleled survivability and agile maneuvering. It closes with and destroys the enemy using mobility, firepower and shock effect.

Years of testing, analysis, Soldier feedback and maturing technology culminated in this strategic decision. The new approach balances costs with the Army’s needs and invests in the nation’s defense industrial base.

The development of the M1E3 Abrams will include the best features of the M1A2 SEPv4 and will comply with the latest modular open systems architecture standards, allowing quicker technology upgrades and requiring fewer resources. This will enable the Army and its commercial partners to design a more survivable, lighter tank that will be more effective on the battlefield at initial fielding, and more easy to upgrade in the future.

This modernization will enhance the efficacy and maneuverability of armored brigade combat teams in conflicts across the globe through a reduced sustainment footprint and increased operational and tactical mobility.

The Army will continue to produce the M1A2 SEPv3 at a reduced rate until production transitions to the M1E3 Abrams, and the Army will carry technologies forward into the SEPv4 Abrams modernization effort.

“The M1E3 Abrams nomenclature is a return to the Army’s standard use of its type classification and nomenclature system for our combat vehicle fleet,” said Dean. “The ‘E’ designation represents an engineering change to an existing platform that is more significant than a minor modification and serves to designate the prototype and development configuration until the vehicle is formally type classified and receives an ‘A’ designation. This is distinct from the ‘XM’ designation used for new prototype systems.”

Initial operational capability is anticipated in early the 2030s. As longer-range threats increase in both lethality and survivability, the M1E3 Abrams will be able to defeat those threats. The Abrams Main Battle Tank remains the most lethal, protected tank in the world.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

DSEI 23 – Polaris Showcases Arctic Mobility

Friday, September 22nd, 2023

Polaris showcased Arctic Mobility during last week’s DSEI in London with their first international display of the Arctic mobility package for the MRZR Alpha, including the Arctic camouflage wrap.

The Arctic mobility package can be added to any of their MRZRs and takes about eight hours for the initial fitting. Subsequent transitions between traditional wheels and the track system only take about four hours as several parts are left on the vehicle during the initial installation.

An MRZR fitted with the Arctic package which includes roof, doors and a heater, can be used as a mothership with snow machines as outriders like this Titan snowmobile widetrack, also on display.

DSEI – Cockerill i-X

Monday, September 18th, 2023

The Cockerill i-X from innovator John Cockerill Group was displayed as their concept for a next-generation light vehicle. They’ve merged a weapon system with rally raid performance to produce a vehicle with a retractable weapon station which promises a top road speed of up to 200 kph. Referred to as a Ground Interceptor, the “i” in the name is for “interceptor” and “X” for “modular multi-weapons system.”

They describe the system as “capable of moving at very high speeds on-road and off-road (with a thermal or hybrid thermal-electric drive train), light, stealthy (appearance management with adaptive camouflage, and modification of IR and acoustic signature), integrating multi sensor data fusion technology (Smart Helmet, on-board intelligence AI, cameras, sensors : LWS, Acoustic Gunshot detection and localization) and capable of integrating a suite of effective weapons (such as 25mm, 30mm, Missiles, Rockets,…).”

Due to space constraints they displayed a model. However, below you can see a video showcasing the vehicle’s capabilities.