FA864924P0266

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

AZAK Ground Mobility Range Extender Feasibility Study

Technical Abstract AZAK reinvented the wheel and built an electric in-wheel drive technology that places all vehicle drive components inside the wheel, below its center point to lower vehicle center of gravity and apply power to the ground more directly. This provides exceptional offroad performance and more efficient battery use. With all drive components housed inside the wheel, AZAK also achieves unmatchable modularity and eliminates the need to mechanically transfer energy from an engine in a vehicle s center frame to the wheels. AZAK has demonstrated in other RDT&E efforts its modular wheels enable simple construction of vehicles with superior offroad performance and energy efficiency. With relatively little effort and disruption, AZAK can incorporate its self-driving wheels into existing internal combustion engine ( ICE ) vehicles, and develop a simple electro-mechanical modification kit, to add electric RANGE EXTENSION and other capabilities. This effort directly responds to DAF needs to electrify and to implement Agile Combat Employment ( ACE ). Overview AZAK proposes a feasibility study to find customers with fleets of ICE vehicles or ground support equipment that would benefit from incorporating its electric wheels as a RANGE EXTENDER. For DAF customers who struggle with fuel supply and resupply, vehicle range/operational run time, or who are trying to extend the life of their vehicles, AZAK s ability to seamlessly electrify existing vehicles and equipment will be a force multiplier. Moreover, incorporating AZAK s electric capabilities will enable existing noisy ICE vehicles to drive in silent mode for operation in contested environments. Integrating AZAK wheels into existing DAF vehicles and ground support equipment will give Contingency Response personnel, Air Force Loadmasters, Maintainers, and the Broader AF Logistics Community fuel saving, longer lasting, higher performing vehicles. Technical Merit AZAK s self-driving wheels have been validated in a variety of forms, on many vehicle frames, and in varied conditions and terrain. Here AZAK seeks to retrofit existing ICE vehicles by attaching AZAK wheels, converting the existing engine into a generator that is wired to power the electric motors inside the AZAK wheels, and eliminating drive components rendered unnecessary by the addition of AZAK s in-wheel drive.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization.

AFX237-PCSO1

FX237-PCSO1-0708

X23.7

Meghan Scott