Meritor's Vehicle Dynamics mobile lab conducts advanced field-testing

July 1, 2012
Traveling throughout North America, Meritor Inc's Vehicle Dynamics mobile laboratory tests on location various products and capabilities including: Truck

Traveling throughout North America, Meritor Inc's Vehicle Dynamics mobile laboratory tests on location various products and capabilities including:

  • Truck and Trailer — SMARTandem axle, tire inflation systems, and drum and air disc brake development

  • Specialty and Off-Highway — Adaptive damping systems for off-highway seats, bus and fire truck suspensions

  • Defense — The ProTec High Mobility Independent Suspension (HMIS), adaptive damping systems, tire inflation systems, and suspension height control are tuned for best performance for specific combat environments

Tim Burns, vice-president and general manager, Defense & Specialty, Meritor, said, “The lab allows us to provide on-site support at US government and independent test sites across North America. The lab reduces development time by allowing immediate optimization of ride and handling characteristics so we can tune the products to best fit real-world environments.”

The laboratory is outfitted with advanced chassis development equipment including two shock dynamometers, a 50-ton press, a coil spring compressor for oversize military high-rate springs, a large wet bench, and alignment equipment. It also has video equipment and is connected to the Development Center in Troy MI via a wireless network.