Dominant Logistics
Multirole Jeeps
The modern HMMWV is an outstanding vehicle in many regards but there remains a need for a smaller vehicle for certain applications. This need is demonstrated by the current use of large ATVs like the Paragator in recent operations. Even the HMMWV is too big for many uses so it would make sense to have a smaller option available for those units and applications where the need is evident.
The Jeep of years gone by was notorious for rolling over but this was largely due to design compromises that were made to maximixe its off-road mobility. A modern jeep is much less likely to roll than the older jeeps and can also be more reliable and more capable. With the addition of more recent advances, an intriguing vehicle becomes possible.
The Basic Chassis
The chassis of what I am suggesting would be little different than a conventional civilian Jeep Wrangler. This vehicle rides on coil-sprung solid axles which are more durable (read "mine-resistant") than independent suspension vehicles. This approach sacrifices ground clearance, but this problem can be overcome with a few modern advances.
There's no real reason that a Mattracks kit couldn't be available to this vehicle which will increase the ground clearance without sacrificing stability as the tracks are much wider and more roll-resistant than conventional tires. On a Jeep, we would end up with extremely low ground pressure as well for tremendous off-road capability as well as enhanced resistance to mines (pressure too low to trigger many types of mines). When operations will primarily be on road, wheels can be installed while off-road operations would require only 30 minutes for the full conversion (this can be reduced significantly as well). Speed will be reduced to 40 mph with the tracks but this is about as fast as any military folks should be traveling off-road anyways.
I would also replace the solid rear axle with a steering axle to give the vehicle four-wheel steering. Ideally, the front and rear axles should be interchangeable. While this won't give the vehicle the pivot-steer capability of a modern tracked vehicle, it will result in a very small turning radius and also enable us to safely and effectively steer the vehicle at high speeds in either forward or reverse. To make the most of this capability, the entire vehicle should be a fly-by-wire arrangement. That is, all steering, braking, and powertrain controls should be done electronically, not mechanically. This means eliminating the hydraulics that are routed throughout the vehicle for cooling, braking, and steering. Again, this is about reducing the weakspots in the vehicle and enhancing survivability of the vehicle in combat.
The New Powertrain
Where things get a little more exotic is in the powertrain. Too many folks are all ga-ga over hybrid vehicles - they have their applications but a vehicle like this should not be one of them. Until our energy storage capabilities improve significantly, smaller vehicles like this Jeep will lack sufficient room and capacity for the batteries necessary for a quality hybrid powertrain. Instead, I would suggest that a new engine concept is in order.
For a number of years, studies have been evaluating a new engine concept called the quasi-turbine. This is a continuous combustion engine design that shows tremendous potential in a variety of applications but it really hasn't been given a chance outside of the academic world as of yet. This vehicle is arguably the ideal application to determine once and for all if this concept can be what it appears.
The quasiturbine design is believed to be capable of improving fuel efficiency by as much as 50% compared to traditional piston engines. Realistically, the actual gains would probably be on the order of about 30% but this is about what is currently being achieved with most hybrid powertrain designs so we'll still achieve significant improvements in fuel usage. As important, if not moreso, is that the quasiturbine design does not necessarily need oil for lubrication - meaning no oil to change or leak, and no oil and filters for maintenance units to haul around, a huge gain in and of itself. The engine is also quieter and involves fewer parts, both of which are improvements in both reliability and combat effectiveness.
Because of its radical design, a power-generation section can be integrated into the engine. Initially, this engine will be coupled to a traditional drivetrain, however if the necessary improvements in batteries are achieved, we can simply remove the drivetrain and replace it with batteries to convert these vehicles to hybrid powertrain. On the other hand, if the engine doesn't pan out, we can simply replace the engines with air-cooled diesels and still have these vehicles available to the force.
This engine should be coupled to a transmission design based upon the modern versions used in semi-tractors. This is basically a semi-automatic transmission where a clutch is still used but the shifting is accomplished automatically while the vehicle is in motion. This eliminates the need for a transmission cooler and removes the requisite hydraulics from the vehicle design. This is also a lower maintenance design that can provide improved performance as a greater number of gears can be included in the space available for the transmission. The transfer case (the component that makes the vehicle four-wheel-drive) should include an electrically-actuated planetary gearset giving the vehicle all of its transmission gears in either forward or reverse. With the quasiturbine engine, a low range won't be needed so there should be plenty of room for the gearset.
The remainder of the powertrain should remain as it currently is in existing Jeeps. The idea here is durability and low maintenance and the existing arrangement is about the best we can currently do in those areas. Over time, a hybrid arrangement will likely be available and this should be accounted for in the vehicle design, but initially we should retain a physical drivetrain.
Modern Uses for the Jeep
There are a variety of practical applications for this vehicle design. Just as ATVs are now being applied in many roles, so too can the Jeep be put to use in many ways. This is only logical given the historical support for this concept in the U.S. military.
Unlike the original Jeep, this vehicle is well suited to a variety of combat roles. It is much more resistant to mine and other combat damage than traditional vehicles. With the addition of common sense steps like vehicle hardening, this Jeep can be used as a gun mount or as transportation for some types of frontline forces. The simplicity of the design also makes it a good candidate for field modifications like the addition of battering rams and large shields. The vehicles small size is also good for air-mobile operations as even with Mattracks, it should fit easily into a Chinook with room to spare. It is also light enough for sling-load by Blackhawk helicopter, even with substantial vehicle hardening applied. Some have suggested developing an entire force element around the HMMWV. Realistically, this would have tragic results as the HMMWV was never intended for that type of use. This vehicle, on the other hand, is specifically designed to go into harms way and return.
One of this vehicles strongest applications will likely be as a maintenance support vehicle. With onboard power generation, the vehicle can power a variety of tools and support systems with plenty of room for carrying tools, parts, and fluids. It can also get to virtually any location with its exceptional off-road mobility. This same enhanced mobility can be useful in most support roles, particularly any role that requires the operation of small teams (3 personnel or less).
This vehicle should replace all of the 3KW generators used in the Army today. Additionally, the combat HMMWVs that do not require the cargo area (MP and other gun mount HMMWVs) should also be replaced with these Jeeps. Finally, maintenance teams should receive Jeeps in exchange for the contact maintenance vehicles that are typically used. I would also recommend using the Jeep as the primary vehicle in the proposed Peacekeeping divisions.
A program is already in the works to replace the HMMWV as part of the Future Tactical Truck System. Instead of wasting billions of dollars replacing a vehicle that doesn't need to be replaced, we should use a portion of that program to develop this Jeep while the remainder can be used towards fielding of Tracked Support Vehicles and pallet systems. It may even be possible for the HMMWV and Jeep to share common Mattrack systems as there is already a Mattrack system available for the Hummer.