This paper discusses the historical development of the transmission and power train in high speed military tracklaying vehicles. It is apparent that the final design of any power train system for military vehicle application must take into consideration factors such as vehicle performance criteria, vehicle weight class and influence, engine application, and mission profile.
Detailed analyses of various power train systems, such as the X-700, XHM-1500, and HMPT-100, are presented. The basic aim was to shape the new hulls around the smallest practicable power package of engine cooling system, transmission, and steering-brake system. By including the steering and braking in the transmission unit much hull space could be saved, and the space saved could be used for installation of more powerful engines.
Based upon a vast background of knowledge developed since World War II, ATAC is maintaining a very high level of effort in assuring that the latest and most advanced drive systems are available for the United States military combat vehicle.