Customizing Heavy Equipment to Meet Military Requirements and Specifications
Even within their primary industry or type of machinery, for certain end users or final applications heavy equipment OEMs may be asked to meet very specific requirements and technical specifications, such as machinery used in military applications. Trying to both meet these different parameters while still maintaining the expected machine performance, reliability, and other important features can be a challenge. In a recent project, GS Global Resources was tasked with modifying a towing system we had created for an existing commercial tow truck OEM customer, adapting proven commercial designs for a demanding military application mounted on a tank chassis.
Innovative Tank-Mounted Design
This unique project features a fully functional towing boom integrated directly onto the rear of an actual tank—complete with treads, turret gun, and camouflage finish—setting it apart from standard truck chassis builds. The system retains core commercial towing capabilities, including a rotating boom for load pickup and rear stabilizers that deploy downward only, leveraging the tank’s low center of gravity and heavy weight despite its compact footprint.
Rigorous Military-Grade Compliance
To meet stringent military standards, the engineering team conducted comprehensive EMI testing for radiated emissions and immunity, alongside short circuit and reverse polarity protection validations at a specialized test house in Grand Rapids. Every component, sensor, light, and handle was rigorously “zapped” in an antenna-equipped chamber to ensure resilience under extreme conditions.
Rugged, High-Reliability Components
The build incorporates military specification 38999 Type III connectors—hardened and EMI-resistant with protective backshells—alongside fully shielded, waterproof harnesses using home-run wiring to minimize splices. Additional filtering and military grade heat shrink or cable shrouds provide complete environmental protection, far exceeding commercial norms.
Advanced Control Integration
A side-mounted control panel enables operators to manage lights, compressor activation, and key circuits via selector switches. The hydraulic system features a radio remote control for precise valving and boom operations, with seamless interfacing to the tank chassis for safety checks like outrigger positioning and boom stowage before movement.
At GS Global Resources, we’re proud to support OEM partners in translating existing commercial innovations to fit into various other industries or applications. Contact us to explore how our engineering expertise can support the next version of your machine.
