Our vehicle platform for the
DARPA Grand Challenge is a 1987 USMC HMMWV named Flying Fox.
This platform has been the workhorse for the US
military for many years. By adapting an autonomous
system to this demonstration vehicle, we plan
to develop a cost effective approach to enhance
existing military vehicles.
Pacific Performance
Engineering purchased two surplus HMMWVs in
2001. The PPE team completely rebuilt both vehicles.
One was sold the Placentia Police Department
for the DARE program. The other was kept by the
owner of PPE for personal off-road use. It has
been used extensively off-road for the last two
years and has performed flawlessly. This is the
vehicle being modified for autonomous operation.
Though the vehicle will be modified for use in
the Grand Challenge, the final system will not
look drastically different from the photos here.
Sensors will be mounted externally to the vehicle,
however they will not be placed in a way to impede
the vehicle's existing capabilities or hinder
human operation.
HMMWV Specifications
| |
Stock Vehicle |
With Autonomous
System Installed |
| Length (in.) |
184.5 |
<200.0 |
| Width (in.) |
86.5 |
86.5 |
| Height (in.) |
77.0 |
<90.0 |
| Ground Clearance (in) |
16 |
15 |
| Turning Radius (ft) |
25.5 |
25.5 |
| Fording Depth (in) |
30 |
30 |
| Approach Angle front/back (°) |
72/37.5 |
72/37.5 |
| Terrain Capability: Grade/Side Slope
(%) |
60/40 |
60/40 |
| Weight (lb) |
5,200 |
<6,000 |
| Horsepower |
160 |
N/A |
| Electrical |
24V, 60 amp |
24V, 300 amp |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) |
25 |
40 |
