Ford Super
Tough Concept Truck is Tough Enough for U.S. Military
Ford Motor
Company has developed the ultimate "Built Ford Tough" F-Series
Super Duty pickup truck as a demonstration vehicle for the U.S.
Army. It was unveiled at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
2000 World Conference at Detroit's Cobo Center.
Ford's concept
truck - based on the F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab - is structurally
modified and equipped with advanced drivetrain, suspension, electrical
and electronic components, and recently passed comprehensive desert
field trials. The project continues the company's long history
of supplying government vehicles and gives Ford an opportunity
to evaluate new technologies.
The super
tough Super Duty was developed under the U.S. Army's COMBATT (COMmercially
BAsed Tactical Truck) program. The Army is working with Ford and
other U.S. vehicle manufacturers to explore the use of modified
commercial trucks for carrying troops and cargo. The trucks would
augment and replace aging vehicles, as the Army also looks to
reduce development, production and operating costs.
Ford F-350
Super Duty COMBATT: Ford Motor Company has developed the ultimate
"Built Ford Tough" F-Series Super Duty pickup truck as a demonstration
vehicle for the U.S. Army.
"We are pleased
that our powerful F-Series pickup is part of the Army's program
to develop a new vehicle to transport our troops and their gear,"
says Gurminder Bedi, vice president, Ford North American Truck.
"Ford has a long, proud history of supplying vehicles to the U.S.
military and other branches of government. In addition, this program
allows us to explore technologies that we may be able to adapt
to our regular production trucks."
The F-350
Super Duty COMBATT demonstration vehicle has been structurally
modified to handle gross vehicle weights of 12,700 pounds. The
truck has enhanced axle differentials, upgraded suspension, electronically
controlled high performance shock absorbers, supplemental air
springs, a central tire inflation system and 37-inch tires with
a run-flat system. The vehicle's ride height, tire pressure and
firmness automatically adjust to the challenging driving conditions
a military vehicle encounters. The truck has protective shielding
on the underside as a safeguard in rough terrain.
The demonstration
truck has a powerful onboard computer with an advanced global
positioning satellite navigation system, night vision system,
collision warning system, and an upgraded electrical system providing
12-volt, 24-volt and 110-volt AC power.
A special
winch kit has been developed that can be easily mounted on the
front or the rear of the vehicle, and can be quickly changed as
needed. Ford's truck also has a covered pickup box and seats for
carrying troops.
