House Approves Upton 's $1.8 Million Defense Earmark for Eaton

House Approves Upton 's $1.8 Million Defense Earmark for Eaton
Project will focus on improving the performance and safety of military vehicles deployed in rugged terrain such as the desert and mountains

Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) has secured $1.8 million for Eaton Research in Galesburg to develop enhanced 4x4 Vehicle Mobility systems in military vehicles. The earmark was included in H.R. 2863, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which overwhelmingly passed the House today by a vote of 398 to 19. The Senate is also expected to consider similar legislation in the next few weeks. The research will be conducted at Eaton's facilities in Galesburg, Marshall and Southfield.

"This funding is a big win for Eaton and Kalamazoo as a whole," said Upton. "Having been to Iraq, I saw firsthand how vital these types of systems are to our military vehicles. In extreme conditions such as rocky desert terrain and deep sand terrain, the military's current fleet of vehicles is prone to immobilization, rollover, and forced deceleration. This puts the lives of our troops in danger in both combat and non-combat situations. In addition to fortifying the personal safety of our troops, there is also real opportunity to improve fuel economy, allowing the vehicles to be in the field that much longer before they need refueling. Michigan is a leader in the automotive world, and I am pleased that this new technology will be developed right in our own backyard."

The objective of the research program is to develop new integrated drivetrain and suspension systems for military 4x4 trucks such as the Army HUMVEE, Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and Future Tactical Trucks. The Eaton team seeks to develop the necessary technology to address the current military vehicle limitations of poor responsiveness in rugged terrain and loss of traction in high-speed operations. Enhanced mobility systems will enable vehicles to be operated more safely and effectively in any type of terrain and to realize substantial fuel savings.

"Eaton is focused on improving transportation technologies for the benefit of military and commercial vehicles," said Tim Morscheck, Vice President of Technology, Truck Components Division, Eaton Corporation. "We are delighted that Congressman Upton's efforts have resulted in the possibility of our getting support for the further development of drivetrains with enhanced mobility."
Improvement will be developed for both existing and new military platforms. Eaton, which produces truck components in Galesburg , has been in discussions with the U.S. Army TARDEC director and the National Automotive Center . Everyone is in agreement that there is a clear need for this development.

http://www.house.gov/upton/press/press-06-20-05.html