Piedrafita:
Innovation in mobility and
protection for armoured vehicles
Photo: © Piedrafita Systems
The European defence industry is engaged in a new era of technological advances aimed at improving the mobility and protection of armoured vehicles. One of the key players in this landscape is Piedrafita, a Spanish company that is developing an innovative suspension technology with a focus on improving the performance of armoured platforms. This development is part of the European project SRB (Hydro-pneumatic Rotary Suspension for Armoured Vehicles), within the EDIDP programme (European Defence Industrial Development Programme), which aims to boost the European Union's industrial and technological capabilities in the field of defence.
Piedrafita is at the forefront of this project, contributing its advanced rotary hydro-pneumatic suspension systems, which not only offer significant improvements in terms of mobility, but are also designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, reducing operating costs and improving the maintainability of armoured vehicles. We explore the details of the technology developed by Piedrafita, its key features and its impact on the future of European defence.
Rotary technology: Innovation in armoured vehicle suspensions
The rotary hydro-pneumatic suspension system being developed by Piedrafita represents a significant advance in armoured vehicle engineering. The key feature of this technology is its fully rotary design, which means that both the hydro-pneumatic spring element and the hydraulic damper are operated by rotary mechanisms. This provides control of the suspension's progressivity throughout the vehicle's travel, which significantly improves its behaviour in rough terrain.
The increased effective suspension travel compared to current solutions is one of the most notable improvements. This allows vehicles equipped with this system to offer greater mobility, improving both their ability to overcome obstacles and their performance in extreme environments. In addition, the suspension can be equipped with a height adjustment system, offering flexibility according to the operational needs of the vehicle.
Digital control and predictive maintenance
One of the most innovative aspects of Piedrafita's suspension system is its ability to integrate digital control, which facilitates predictive maintenance tasks. Through the Digital Suspension Controller (DSC), operators can monitor in real time key parameters such as system pressure and temperature, as well as vehicle chain tension in the case of tracked armoured vehicles.
This continuous monitoring capability not only improves vehicle safety, but also allows operators to anticipate potential failures and make adjustments before they become serious problems. This reduces downtime and maintenance costs, resulting in increased operational availability.
Supporting Capabilities: A European-made system
Another key feature of Piedrafita's technology is that it is entirely manufactured in the European Union, which guarantees its independence from foreign regulations such as the ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations of the United States). This approach not only ensures that the system meets European quality and safety standards, but also provides a more cost-effective solution compared to other alternatives on the market.
In addition, the system has been designed to perform well in a wide range of temperatures and under extreme conditions, making it ideal for missions in demanding environments such as deserts or arctic climates. This level of robustness ensures that the armoured vehicles can operate effectively in any type of mission, regardless of the environment.
Interoperability and adaptability
Interoperability is another pillar of Piedrafita's innovation. The suspension system is compatible with different platform shapes, which means that it can be adapted to armoured vehicles of different configurations with minimal specific modifications. In addition, it is adaptable to vehicles of different weight categories, making it a versatile solution for different types of armoured vehicles, from light to the heaviest.
This modular and adaptable approach allows armoured vehicle manufacturers to integrate Piedrafita's technology without the need to completely redesign the undercarriage or vehicle structure, reducing both development costs and implementation times.
Missions and operations: Performance under extreme conditions
The system's ability to operate in harsh environments and under extreme conditions is one of the aspects that makes it ideal for military vehicles. Armoured vehicles equipped with this technology are able to operate with optimal performance in difficult terrain conditions, from rocky surfaces to deep mud, and in extreme temperatures, whether in the scorching heat of the desert or in arctic climates.
In addition, the suspension system is designed to be easily replaceable, making it easy to maintain in the field and minimising downtime during missions. Its symmetrical design also allows the system to be installed on both sides of the vehicle with minimal alterations, increasing its versatility and reducing the need for specific parts for each side of the armoured vehicle.
Logistics: An efficient and maintenance-free system
One of the main logistical benefits of the Piedrafita suspension system is its self-contained, maintenance-free nature throughout the expected life of the vehicle. This means that operators will not have to worry about cmponent wear and tear during extended missions or in environments where access to regular maintenance is limited.
This maintenance-free approach not only reduces operating costs, but also increases the availability of the vehicles in the field, allowing them to be operational for longer without the need to stop for overhauls.
User experience: Improved mobility and availability
When it comes to user experience, vehicles equipped with Piedrafita's technology will offer enhanced mobility and availability. The rotary hydro-pneumatic suspension provides a smoother and more stable ride, improving both operator comfort and vehicle efficiency in complex missions.
In addition, the system is designed to maintain a constant characteristic across the entire temperature range, ensuring predictable and reliable performance regardless of weather conditions.
Conclusion
Piedrafita's hydro-pneumatic rotary suspension system represents a major breakthrough in armoured vehicle engineering, combining technological innovation, logistical efficiency and operational versatility. Through its participation in the SRB project and the EDIDP programme, Piedrafita is helping to define the future of European armoured platforms, offering solutions that improve both mobility and mission-critical vehicle protection.
With a focus on sustainability, interoperability and cost reduction, this system is set to play a key role in the development of the next generation of armoured vehicles, ensuring that European armed forces have the best technological tools to operate successfully in any environment.
This project has received funding from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) under Grant Agreement No. EDIDP-SME-2020-064-SRB.
For more information please visit:
https://www.piedrafita.com
