HODGES TRANSPORTATION, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A15-072

Description

Mountain descent test procedures that replicate conditions found in severe mountain environments are essential in identifying the limitations of current and future vehicle systems. Current tests have failed to reproduce these severe, realistic conditions resulting in deficiencies in overall vehicle performance. In Phase I a prototype Brake Fade Advance Warning System (BFAWS) and mountain descent road test procedure were developed and tested on grades local to NATC. Severe mountain grades across the U.S. were identified and analyzed in order to evaluate potential sites in which to base the final procedure on. Phase II will include the finalization of the road test procedure and BFAWS by performing the test at these sites. The finalization of the BFAWS will result in a highly modular and effective safety system applicable to variety of military that may have deficiencies due to up-armoring or off-road brake design and commercial fleets that repeatedly operate in mountainous environments. A laboratory test procedure will be developed based on the results of the completed mountain descent road test procedure and venue and will result in a cost effective solution to evaluating vehicle braking performance in severe mountain descent environments.