Industrial Production Process of the Mamba MK7 Armored Personnel Carrier

School Name

South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Consumer Science

Presentation Type

Mentored

Abstract

Armored vehicles are built with the intent to protect the lives of deployed soldiers in combat zones, while balancing cost effectiveness and protection level. Osprea Logistics' line of armored vehicles, specifically the Mamba brand, are built with the main priorities of protection, maneuverability, and functionality. The Mamba Mk7 is a single format, multi-platform vehicle with six available variants depending on individual clientele needs. The use of the different interior structures opens up the question of the possibility of a fully modular vehicle design, one in which quickly interchangeable components would allow for increased mobility in a variety of terrains. My research aimed to investigate the properties of the currently employed materials used in construction of the vehicles and to seek out potential alternatives. Rigidity, weldability, and overall ballistic performance are important characteristics to take into consideration when selecting an armor. ATI 500-MIL was investigated as an alternative to the 46100 material that is presently used to compose the hull of the vehicle. The ATI 500-MIL alternative met the same military specifications and ballistic requirements as the currently used MIL-A-46100 armor, but displayed higher hardenability and toughness levels due to its increased alloying. Operations such as hot and cold forming, as well as other heat processing treatments, were better received on the ATI-500 material due to its manufacturing process. This newer high hardness steel should undergo blast testing before being considered as an alternative armor option for the Mamba Mk7 vehicles.

Location

Furman Hall 118

Start Date

3-28-2020 11:00 AM

Presentation Format

Oral Only

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 28th, 11:00 AM

Industrial Production Process of the Mamba MK7 Armored Personnel Carrier

Furman Hall 118

Armored vehicles are built with the intent to protect the lives of deployed soldiers in combat zones, while balancing cost effectiveness and protection level. Osprea Logistics' line of armored vehicles, specifically the Mamba brand, are built with the main priorities of protection, maneuverability, and functionality. The Mamba Mk7 is a single format, multi-platform vehicle with six available variants depending on individual clientele needs. The use of the different interior structures opens up the question of the possibility of a fully modular vehicle design, one in which quickly interchangeable components would allow for increased mobility in a variety of terrains. My research aimed to investigate the properties of the currently employed materials used in construction of the vehicles and to seek out potential alternatives. Rigidity, weldability, and overall ballistic performance are important characteristics to take into consideration when selecting an armor. ATI 500-MIL was investigated as an alternative to the 46100 material that is presently used to compose the hull of the vehicle. The ATI 500-MIL alternative met the same military specifications and ballistic requirements as the currently used MIL-A-46100 armor, but displayed higher hardenability and toughness levels due to its increased alloying. Operations such as hot and cold forming, as well as other heat processing treatments, were better received on the ATI-500 material due to its manufacturing process. This newer high hardness steel should undergo blast testing before being considered as an alternative armor option for the Mamba Mk7 vehicles.