Word reaches Biglorryblog that Volvo Trucks North America is to develop lightweight prototype sleeper cab made with advanced composite material technology as part of a U.S. Army program to reduce the weight and improve fuel economy of trucks. The project, part of the Army's Military and Commercial Truck Weight Reduction Program, calls for Volvo and 
Why composites? Well VTNA says: "Because of their generally lighter weight, the use of composite components can improve truck fuel economy and thus reduce CO2 emissions. TPI's advanced processes yield components that are even lighter and stronger than composite components formed using traditional methods. In addition, composite materials resist corrosion, insulate better and may provide a quieter sleeping environment for resting drivers."
Three sleeper cabs will be produced as part of the 21-month long project, with the first to be delivered in late 2009. VTNA and TPI will share the $2.5 million US Government funding while Volvo Technology Corp., an advanced research and development unit of the Volvo Group, will coordinate the research for Volvo.
The cabs themselves (that's a computer generated version pictured up above) will consist of three components: a one-piece composite sleeper, a composite roof and Volvo's current steel cab core structure, modified to attach to the composite sleeper. Testing will include a trip on the 'cab shaker,' in which a full-size cab and sleeper, complete with all interior fittings, is attached to a large hydraulic device which subjects it to prolonged violent shaking, to test their durability and integrity. However, it's all part of Volvo's normal product development and testing.
Now click through here for more and a shot of what a normal steel-cabbed Volvo VT830 bonneted beauty looks like.
Look closely and you'll see how the steel cab on this VT830 model (with a throbby 16-litre Volvo engine) mirrors the shape of the composite version. Of course the real question is will the technology that's being developed make it on to normal 'over-the-road' trucks in the US? Interestingly enough one of the three cabs will also be subjected to the Swedish Impact Test, "...the most severe truck cab crash test in the world" which tests the ability of the cab and sleeper to protect occupants in the event of a rollover and other severe accidents. Which makes BLB wonder why would they do that if they weren't considering a 'civilian version'? No doubt time will tell...
"This project allows Volvo to explore the benefits of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques for military vehicles and commercial freight operations," Scott Kress, VTNA's senior vice president for sales and marketing tells BLB. "Volvo is an innovative and technologically adept company, with global resources, which makes us a great partner for this project. We also have a history of working with federal agencies on cutting-edge technologies, such as our work with the U.S. Department of Energy on alternative drivelines and fuels, and vehicle aerodynamics."