Active Suspension in the Automotive Industry and the Military

This paper discusses the evolution of commercial active suspension systems and the recent adaptation of this potential dual-use technology to military applications. It contrasts the commercial automotive industry's focus on enhancing on-road ride, stability and handling with the military's objective of increasing off-road mobility.

The specific adaptation of a commercially developed active suspension system to the Army's High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) is described along with changes required to accommodate this 3000 kg, 4x4 all-terrain vehicle. Resulting design and installation are presented, followed by a brief synopsis of the vehicle's performance. The desire for even greater cross-country performance is discussed as the motivation for pursuing the development of more effective off-road control strategies and the progress in this arena is presented.