SMARTRUCK II

For the SmarTruck II vehicle prototype, the National Automotive Center decided to work with Applied Minds, Incorporated out of Glendale, California to further develop the SmarTruck concept. ICRC engineering remained involved in the program through the development of an onboard vehicle diagnostic and prognostic system and due to my involvement in SmarTruck I, I was selected to travel to California to become part of the Applied Minds prototype development team.

Applied Minds is a Los Angeles area technology skunk works. Some of the finest minds in the country attack our nation’s problems in an effort to contribute out-of-the-box thinking to discover new approaches to problem resolution. Working there was incredible.

Applied Minds introduced a modular approach to the SmarTruck concept. The vehicle prototype began with a Chevy Silverado 2500HD that was modified into a 6-wheel pickup with the addition of a third axle and a beefed up suspension to allow the SmarTruck to carry greater payloads than the Chevy HD was rated for. A modular vehicle bed was developed that was capable of carrying a series of mission-specific modules that could be used to outfit a family of SmarTruck vehicles. Our SmarTruck II prototype was outfitted with a Power module, that contained all the circuit protection and power generation electronics, a Surveillance Module that housed twin triplex collapsible pneumatic masts that were capable of hoisting a long range remote controlled surveillance camera 30 feet into the air, a retractable weapons module that was fitted with a simulated surface to air missile system, and a SatCom module fitted with satellite communications equipment.

I served as another engineer on the Applied Minds staff in addition to facilitating communications between the National Automotive Center in Warren, Michigan and the staff at Applied Minds.  I relayed our progress in a series of weekly conference calls and monthly reports.  I was also onsite to work through contracting issues and coordinate with the show support staff in Michigan who were making preparations for the prototype's debut.

Upon completion of the vehicle, SmarTruck II appeared at the International Detroit Auto Show, the SAE World congress, and several demonstrations on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. I traveled with the vehicle demonstrating its capabilities and keeping it fully functional. Any technical issues that arose were my responsibility.