The Horstman Group, a company of the Renk Group, is pleased to announce that Horstman InArm InArm® external suspension system has been selected by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and the US Army for the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program. The Horstman InArm® was selected from the outset because of its ability to offer superior mobility while at the same time providing good ride quality and a stable platform. The InArm® is a true externally mounted suspension system that eliminates the need for torsion bars, freeing significant space claim inside the hull and improving survivability. InArm® h provides a growth path to advanced variable damping, lock-out and ride height management systems. This reduces weight and space compared to other hydro products, HSU or coil solutions.
Developed by Horstman in the mid-1990s initially for the UK MODs Future Scout Cavalry System (FSCS) Tracer and US Army’s Future Combat System (FCS) programs, InArm® is designed to eliminate the need for torsion bars and to minimize or eliminate road arm penetration of the vehicle hull. This allows the vehicle designer to overcome the internal packaging constraints, minimize the external packaging constraints, and overcome vulnerability to mine blast and crew exposure to the fragmentation that results from torsion bars. The hydro-pneumatic suspension uses high-pressure nitrogen gas and an integral oil damper that are all contained within the road arm. Designed as the most efficient packaging space solution, InArm® provides a growth path to advanced variable damping, lock-out and ride height management systems.
“This program award represents a significant milestone for Horstman. While we have had InArm® design and prototype production capability in our Michigan-based facility for some time, this program will be our first rate production InArm® suspension program for our US team. This production order significantly expands our global delivery footprint and adds to our existing UK-based high rate production programs for allied nations.” said Ian Pain CEO of the Horstman Group.
Horstman – a company of the RENK Group – has been headquartered in Bath since 1913, with business units in the US, the UK and Canada. It delivers mobility solutions for the global wheeled and armored markets’ hardest challenges. Horstman provides world leading design and manufacturing capabilities, with our customers benefiting from our time-tested pedigree in innovation, product development, manufacture and defense project management in heavy armored and tracked vehicle suspension systems. Horstman designed and manufactured products have been integrated for many years throughout multiple, battle proven, platforms for global customers. Headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, RENK Group is a globally leading manufacturer of high-quality transmissions, engines, hybrid drive systems, suspension systems, slide bearings, couplings and test systems.
