A Review of Articulation, Drive, and Track System Technologies for Articulated Tracked Vehicles

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jes.202602131

Author(s)

Ningyi Li1, Yu Zhang1,*, Fangjie Lu1, Changjiang Pei2, Guang Zhao3

Affiliation(s)

1Army Arms University of PLA, Beijing, China 2CITIC Electromechanical Innovation Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing, China 3Officers College of PAP, Chengdu, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Articulated tracked vehicles are amphibious all-terrain platforms capable of operating in complex environments such as snow, swamps, deserts, and mountainous regions. They offer low ground pressure, high terrain adaptability, and superior obstacle-crossing capability, making them widely applicable in both civilian and military fields. This paper presents a review of key technologies for articulated tracked vehicles, focusing on articulation mechanisms, drive system configurations, and track system designs. The structural characteristics and degrees of freedom of typical articulation mechanisms are summarized, highlighting their roles in steering, pitch, and roll control. Different drive configurations, including mechanical and hydraulic systems, are compared in terms of power transmission, compactness, and reliability. Additionally, three representative track system configurations are analyzed with respect to traction performance, ground contact area, approach and departure angles, and amphibious propulsion efficiency. The review indicates that articulation mechanisms and drive systems are critical to overall vehicle performance. Future research should focus on enhancing system reliability, lightweight design, and intelligent control. This study provides a reference for the design and application of articulated tracked vehicles.

Keywords

Articulated Tracked Vehicles; Articulation Mechanism; Drive System Configurations; Track Systems

References

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