Annex E. International Armaments Strategy
Army Science and Technology Master Plan (ASTMP 1997)

R. Ground Vehicles

Objectives for this technology area include advances in diesel propulsion (See E-II.B for discussion of advances in gas turbine propulsion), better track and suspension to increase cross-country mobility, and improvements in survivability through improved ballistic protection and reduced observables, including use of electric drive. Table E.II-17 summarizes capabilities and opportunities in each technical subarea.

Table II.E-17. Ground Vehicles

R. GROUND VEHICLES	UNITED KINGDOM	FRANCE	GERMANY	OTHER COUNTRIES	JAPAN	PACIFIC RIM	FSU
SYSTEMS INTEGRATION	EC Nations have capabilities in various areas			IS RPV's Teleoperation SW Armored vehicles
VEHICLE CHASSIS AND TURRET			Structure and design	Israel Italy Sweden Switzerland		China ROK
INTEGRATED SURVIVABILITY			Vehicle survivability	Israel Sweden			Russia Bulk ceramics
MOBILITY	Gas turbine	Secondary batteries	Autonomous control; diesel engines electric drive	Austria Diesel engines	Ceramic engine; Electric drive		Russia Electric drive components; batteries, switches
INTRAVEHICULAR ELECTRONICS SUITE		Multisensor integration	Integrated electronics and optronics

Advances in ground vehicle system integration and chassis and turret design are likely to be found among traditional developers and manufactures of military armored systems. The UK, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, and Russia manufacture or have development programs for main battle tanks. Japan and Germany, with the US are leaders in automotive propulsion, with both having significant capabilities in functionally gradient coatings, with Germany a world leader in air-cooled diesel propulsion.

Integrated survivability involves a suite of capabilities ranging from detection avoidance to ballistic protection. Again, niche capabilities may be found in countries that develop and manufacture armored systems. Highlights of note include German capabilities in integrated CB defense, and Russian developments of bulk ceramics with potential applications to ballistic protection.

Primary interest in electric drive is found in major automobile producing and exporting countries (specifically, the US, Japan, and Germany) driven primarily by growing restrictions on exhaust emissions. In electric drive Japan is world leader in virtually all aspects, with strength in batteries, fuel cells, power control and switching components. France is strong in batteries, and Russia has strengths in certain types of rechargeable batteries and in power switching components. Germany is a world leader in autonavigation and autonomously-driven vehicle technology; Japan also has a strong research program in this area, and in remote control. Finally, Israel's experience in the tactical use of RPVs and UAVs may contribute to advances in teleoperation of ground vehicles.

The following subsections identify specific opportunities where existing or near-term pending agreements offer significant potential benefits.