Military and commercial fleets share many challenges, most of which are driven by Federal laws, regulations, and policies.
The US military has one of the largest and most varied wheeled vehicle fleets in the world with a broad range of vehicle weights and types, most over 10,000 lbs GVW. These vehicle brake systems include disc and drum, using mechanical, hydraulic, and air actuation systems.
The US military buys vehicle systems only, not the individual components or subsystems other than for spare parts (a.k.a. Secondary Items). In addition, brake shoes are bought as assembled units only and not as separate brake blocks or lining.
The objective of the Government project presented in this paper was to provide a decision-making tool so that the responsible engineering authority could make a reasoned decision on the acceptability of alternative spare parts and sources through a Government-approved standardized off-vehicle testing process. Subject paper presents the background, different test plans, test procedures, and the main workflow for 1) potential offerors interested in pursuing a brake component (secondary item) supply contract with the US Military, 2) comparative testing for non-standard vehicle configurations (overloaded), and 3) research and development (R&D) of alternative systems.
The output of the Government's effort was the development of the “ATPD 2354” specification and its pre-planned replacement, a DODISS-approved Federal Test Standard (FTS) in MIL-STD-962 format.