NATO Reference Mobility Model (NRMM) Modeling of the DEMO III Experimental Unmanned Ground Vehicle (XUV)

Abstract

Abstract : The Advanced Weapons Concepts Branch, Army Research Laboratory (ARL), was asked to assess and evaluate the predicted cross-country performance of the current DEMO III Experimental Unmanned Ground Vehicle (XUV) chassis design using the NATO Reference Mobility Model (NRMM) by the Program Manager of the Department of Defense sponsored DEMO III XUV Program. The XUV modeled approximately 2,500 lb that will be able to traverse cross-country terrain at 20 mph. The XUV is designed to be driven by an autonomous mobility package, but the NRMM does not support autonomous mobility; so, for the purposes of this study, the chassis was modeled as a manned vehicle. Currently, the XUV is in the final chassis and suspension development phase by the systems integrator, Robotic Systems Technology, Inc. The NRMM is a computer-based simulation tool that can predict a vehicle's steady-state operating capability (effective maximum speed) over specified terrain. The NRMM can perform on-road and cross-country prediction of a vehicle's effective maximum speed. The NRMM is a matured technology that was developed and proven by the Waterways Experiment Station (WES) and the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) over several decades. The NRMM has been revised and updated throughout the years; the current version used to perform this analysis is version 2, also known as NRMM II. ARL was also asked to compare the predicted performance of the XUV chassis against the high-mobility, multipurpose, wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) using NRMM II. This report details the NRMM II analysis and assessment of the DEMO III XUV and WES HMMWV.