Project of the Summer

Ok, so every summer I like to research something or start a project. Now, Im planning on becoming an engineer, so these projects always have some sort of mechanics or engineering involved. Many of my projects rarely make it passed the design stages, but this one is going to be different. For about six months a friend and I were researching making a 2/5 scale tank. The issue was that what had to be done was overly complicated, and of course, expensive. So, with the tank still in mind, I have designed an APC. Although still in the research phase, I'll tell you a little about the design.

THE DESIGN
The basic design is 10'x5'. The front 2 feet are occupied by a large nose (this nose was added because we are replicating the Romanian-built TABC-79, and if we took it off, it looks too boxy), and technically its only 4 feet wide, but 6" on each side are given to the sloping armor (Again, to keep away the boxy factor). 4 feet back the roof is raised 6 more inches to give a total height of 4 feet (Before it was only 3'6").

THE LAYOUT
The first 4 feet of the design (This would be the 'nose' and 2 more feet extending afterwards) are dedicated to the driver. Although currently my design only incorperates one driver, another seat could be added if weight allows (Im actually thinking about this as another seat for the commander. I'll explain shortly). The next 2 feet are actually divided into two parts. The lower 2 feet will be engine space (This will be holding two 6hp engines to give 12 total horsepower). The upper 2 feet (The height is now 4') is for the commander. Right above this will be a small turret containing a support weapon of some sort (We are planning on the turret and weapon to be exchangable). Now, this is why I mentioned the second chair in the drivers area. When the turret is in place, the commanders feet will be able to dangle into the drivers area, where there is enough room, but we are planning on making the turret removable and its hatch to be covered. This means that the extra 6" of headroom required for a 5'10" person to sit properly are no longer there, and therefor it might be a little cramped. The last 4 feet are dedicated to the passangers. With 4'x4' of usable space, there will be a bench on each wall, extending 1 foot. This means that although cramped, 4 people could fit in the passanger compartment. The bench seats will also be able to be folded up to make room for cargo, stretchers (If a medical adaption would be made [which it most likely will] the comanders position would be removed and the stretcher would extend the extra 2 available feet to give 6 feet of clearance).

FEATURES
-Carry Capacity. The fact that we can carry 4 passangers allows quick and protected delivery of troops, and with a maximum load of up to 1000 pounds, heavy loads are no problem.
-Fire Support. Fire support can be given to troops in trouble with the turret located on top.
-Command Base. It can be used as a mobile command unit for ground forces by using a radio unit installed in the passanger compartment.
-Speed. With an estimated top speed of 15mph fully loaded, we can definately get you there faster then you could walk.
-Torque. With a low gear setting, the vehicles speed also comes with climbing ability.
-Versitility. With the ablity to have 4x4x4 of space for anything, and interchangable weaponry on the turret, almost any role can be filled.

IDEAS IN THE THINKING STAGES
-Air Compresser. A small air compresser may be added to support different weaponry such as mountable rocket tubes, smoke cannisters, and antitank guns.
-Automatic doors. An automatic ramp in the rear may be added for simple coolness xD

Ideas, Comments, Questions, etc?
(And don't be like Durkee and ruin this thread by telling me that "It will blow up and cause a giant black hole in the center of Earth." Seriously...)

Good luck finding a couple thousand dollars to build this, much less the time and patience.

Three words...
Time. Space. Continuum.

You're gunna break it!

Seriously durkee, it really isn't funny anymore. don't waste thread space.
And drummer, most of the construction will actually be plywood and spare wood and metal from around.
I have my friend, whos my electronics guy, on the project.
As well as my other friend, who just has cash xD
Engines are covered for (Old lawnmowers), and design is simple.

Lawnmower engines = open/close throttle only.
Will require work to make it work with a variable throttle valve...not to mention mechanical or electrical linkage.

Unless you mean ride ontop mowers...but even then, you think that'll have enough power to keep vehicle with that much stuff/people on it moving at a reasonable speed?
Uphill? Over light obstacles? In less-than-perfect road conditions?

Guy on my old team had a similar idea, using a 351cc electric engine and CarryAll utility chassis. Once he got his sheet-metal/wood on, it's top speed was just under 13mph.
That's with just a driver. Given the chassis was meant for roads, it was a nightmare for off-road and would threaten to roll on shallow inclines. That engine was easily twice that of any lawnmower I've seen...so...maybe get a go-cart base and build onto the roll cage? I can't imagine plywood being very safe if the vehicle were to roll or hit an obstacle.

He scrapped his idea and since bought a Land Rover for less than what he spent on the project.

Passengers, air compressors, replica armament, gear, engine, etc...you're looking at EASILY a half ton.

Build a plywood box around a bicycle
But I think Durkee's suggestion of using a go kart sounds good.

Just make sure it's better than this guys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f25g7zOtV-k

how bout a DPV?

Durkee, my max load is right around 1200lbs.
I doubt its going to roll, concitering its 5 feet wide, and its center of gravity is very, very low. Again, if you read it you would see that:

Quote :

-Speed. With an estimated top speed of 15mph fully loaded, we can definately get you there faster then you could walk.
-Torque. With a low gear setting, the vehicles speed also comes with climbing ability.

Lemme show you.



This guy has a 2.5hp engine in his, and he was running about 250 pounds on it with a very low gear setting. (Thats about 100lbs per hp. Look at mine 1200/12. Yep... 100. Although my estimates tell me it will weigh about 800-1000 fully loaded (With the average weight of 140 per person. Thats about the average weight of me and my friends) Plus, I doubt 4 people will want to be in the back, but theres always the option.
Also, open/closed is fine. I'll probably design a simple cintrifical force clutch so we can just keep them open all the time. Really, its no big deal. See, the point of it is to be a fun project that has some meaning behind it. Something where the parts are easily found and aquired, things can be scrounged, home built, built with little ablities/tools, and is fun to build with a turn out thats pretty good.