MATTRACKS T4-3500 Robotic Project Demonstrated at TARDEC
DETROIT ARSENAL, WARREN, MI - The TACOM Life Cycle Management Command is the center for Department of Defense-based ground vehicle robotics projects. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) Track and Suspension Team, Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility Directorate, in conjunction with the Intelligent Ground Systems Directorate, are exploiting opportunities for near-term technology solutions to satisfy a broad range of operational needs in developing ground vehicle robotic platforms and platform components, to include advanced chassis, suspension and robotic drive systems.

TARDEC has been working with MATTRACKS, a Karlstad, MN-based company, for more than a year on a Tracked Unmanned Ground Vehicle project to develop a chassis and electric drive system with superior off-road performance.

During the May 20 demonstration, the 3,100-pound robot whirred to life as it glided down a ramp onto the pavement making less noise than a remote-controlled child’s toy.

The T4-3500 was put through its paces, successfully performing 360-degree pivot turns, crab walking and driving over moguls. It also navigated up and down hills. During testing attended by TARDEC Program Manager Munira Mesiwala on April 1, 2008, the T4-3500 was also able to navigate a one-meter step with ease.

The T4-3500 has five unique components:

• A four-track drive system that allows for maximum mobility and greater stability.
• A walking beam suspension that allows flexibility when encountering mogul-like bumps.
• A modular track system with interchangeable tracks that can be easily replaced by removing only one bolt.
• A passive dual rocker, shape-changing suspension that absorbs road shock.
• Four MATTRACKS electric wheel motors to power the vehicle.

MATTRACKS designed the track system, suspension system, in-hub drive motors, chassis and power source. It will continue over the next year to develop a second version of the T4-3500 that will incorporate installation of common Military Communication Language and hardware, the ability to remotely control the vehicle, higher-powered in-hub motors and high-energy batteries and the ability to operate in a manned and unmanned capacity.

Radio Shack Remote Control Toy once again features Mattracks
For over the past few years Mattracks equipped 4X4 Radio Controlled vehicles have appeared on the retail shelves of Radio Shack store around the world. 2007 is no exception with the latest offering by Radio Shack in the form of a Black Hummer H2. Now just about anyone can get caught up in the fun of a 4x4 vehicle with a track conversion thanks to this exclusive agreement.

Early this fall Radio Shack released a 1/10 scale model of a black Hummer H2, in previous years they offered a yellow version of the H2 and originally a Ford F350 Super Duty remote control truck each came fully equipped with a scaled down version of the Mattracks track conversion system for trucks.

Just like the real track conversion systems manufactured by Mattracks, the Radio Shack toy can be converted from tracks to tires or vice versa, allowing you to use either tracks or tires. The toy has been featured on television ads, Radio Shack flyers and on the Radio Shack web site.

Mattracks “History of Tracks”
The Mattracks “History of Tracks” special exhibit at the Ralph Engelstad Arena Thief River Falls, Aug. 31 and September 1, drew a nice crowd. Open to the public this special Mattracks event was held in combination with the Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival. The exhibit was a great chance to see a selection of tracked vehicles and track conversion system from over the past 100 years.

Neal McCoy was one of the many top name country music artists to appear at the 2007 Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival. Those lucky people who were there enjoyed good weather, great music and whole lot of fun.

Mattracks was once again proud to be a sponsor of this event and we hope that if you made it part of your Labor Day Weekend that you will keep the Kick”n Up Kountry Music Festival in your plans for next year.

Rumor has it that Neal McCoy will be back to the Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival in 2008. Don’t miss it he put on a really great performance in 2007!

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202 Cleveland Ave. East P.O. Box 214 Karlstad, MN 56732
Phone 218-436-7000 FAX 218-436-7500