While doing some other research, I came across a couple of intriguing AFV-related patents that i thought I'd pass along for further discussion - maybe somebody can pitch in with additional info...

1960s design from Lockheed:






Chris
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M7 & M113 Downloadable References: http://www.dataviewbooks.com

Interesting, but given the time frame it was designed, it doesn't seem to fit the idea of being easily air-transportable. If the tag-along carrier was for extra ammunition and/or fuel, could the "prime-mover" be capable of operating without the carrier for extended amount of time? Hmmmm.

On the side, and speaking of Lockheed, does someone have a reference copy available of the Lockheed "Twister" high-mobility vehicle? I remember when it was being road-tested at Ft Hood in the early 70s, about the time of the FMC XR-311 (Army hot rod Myers Manx) also being evaluated. The Twister was awesome to see, and the cross-country ability was unbelieveable. The Twister would make a great resin offering!

It seems a mix between a Jagdpanzer and a T-34...

Jim,
I remember the Twister from a magazine that I used to buy back then. I seem to remember it was articulated with 8 wheels.
Tom

Actually it would probably be quite air portable. As a single unit it would likely fit in the C141 Starlifter and as two pieces could probably be hauled by two Herky Birds. It certainly appears to be a light or medium design as opposed to a MBT so mass probably wouldn't be too high. From the armament layout it's looking like an ATGM in the large tube and a30-35mm co-ax autocannon to deal with lighter vehicles and personnel.

There is some merit in much of the design with the single exception that the proportion of the vehicle allocated to the drive train would probably compromies a lot of the life cycle costs of using it in service.

Paul

Very cool Chris. I wonder if they produced a prototype?

Gary

Tom,

The OOP Armour in Profile had an issue devoted to the Twister and other test-bed prototypes, but it hasn't been in print since (I think) the late 70s.

Jim

I have some stuff on the Twister. It is at http://www.warwheels.net/XM808TwisterINDEX.html .


I do have some more photos I still need to post and I'll try to get them up asap.

I've posted those Twister pics I promised. There are 17 new pics and are at http://www.warwheels.net/XM808TwisterGRIENKE.html