Overview
GenShock offers benefits to the military in the form of simpler field logistics, reduced operating costs, reduced maintenance, greater fuel efficiency, faster and smoother travel, and improved Warfighter safety.
Improved Fuel Economy
Energy recovered from a military vehicle’s suspension can be used to relax electrical load on the alternator, thereby increasing fuel economy by up to 6%. The logistical complexity of refueling in the battlefield is significant, and the improvement of fuel economy can reduce the cost of war in terms of money and human life. U.S. Department of Defense estimates that a 1% fuel efficiency improvement can take as many as 6,400 people out of convoys, protection details and supply lines (National Automotive Center). Fuel savings translate to reduced logistical tail and cost, greater mission endurance, and a higher state of readiness.
Active Suspension
GenShock operates as a semi-active or fully-active suspension, adjusting rapidly and dynamically to improve ride performance compared to stock dampers. Improved ride allows faster travel across rough terrain with enhanced rider comfort, vehicle agility, and payload stability. The technology also has built-in ability to compress the suspension for transport, enabling rapid vehicle deployment.
Less Maintenance
Reduced heat dissipation and the use of high quality components result in a longer lifetime than standard shocks, minimizing total maintenance time and costs. Improved ride (less shock transmitted to chassis, components, and payload) leads to fewer vibration-related maintenance requirements on the vehicle. Active capabilities enable rapid tire maintenance without support vehicles or special tools.
Electrical Power
Military vehicles often encounter rough terrain, where GenShock provides tens to hundreds of amps to power on board devices and equipment. This allows for smaller alternators and greater mission endurance. Reduced heat dissipation in the damper through energy recovery helps diminish the thermal signature of the vehicle.