Differential Torque Steering for Future Combat Vehicles

This paper discusses the evolution of skid steer systems, and takes a new look at the advantages and implications of designing future ground combat vehicles with all non-steerable wheels. The traditional “skid steer” designation of such vehicles is dropped in favor of the more descriptive phrase “differential torque steer” vehicle. The possible advantages of such systems for combat vehicle application are presented along with a synopsis of various past modeling, simulation, and vehicle hardware efforts to evaluate skid steer systems. A comprehensive vehicle modeling effort for a differential torque steer system is then presented. Two independent implementations of the model are presented along with model verification and validation results. Finally the model is used to evaluate potential turning performance for a 4×4 vehicle with differential torque steer.