armoured vehicles - track links
Melbourne-based Mackay Defence Technologies has developed and patented a dual pin track with grouser for the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier.
The innovative development provides greater traction for the vehicle, longer operational life, enhanced safety features and full component replacements for servicing, resulting in dramatically reduced operating costs.
Based on the original dual pin link, Mackay developed an alternative dual pin track link as a hybrid, using existing components and incorporating a grouser that provides greater traction and safety.
Soft soil traction, servicing and safety issues relating to end connector failure were all high priorities addressed to reduce logistics issues in the field and overcome apparent dangerous component failures.
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Mackay Defence Technologies has developed a dual pin track with grouser for the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier. The Mackay hybrid design provides greater traction for the vehicle, longer operational life, enhanced safety features and full component replacements for servicing, resulting in dramatically reduced operating costs. |
The project has been completed and the innovative track has undergone preliminary testing by Land Engineering Agency (LEA) Monegeetta Vehicle Testing Course in which results showed an expected life of up to 20,000km against the existing single pin track with a working life of between 5,000 and 8,000km. |
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The development is currently under review by the ADF and a full evaluation trial is planned on the standard M113 APC early in 2005. |
 Team Australia - Mackay Defence Technologies
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