They told you so ...

Several places in our sphere are boasting how they featured George Tech Research Institutes' (GTRI) ULTRA AP (Armored Patrol) vehicle back in 2005. We did too but 'back in the day' but we did it solely by email. Does that count?

The Ultra AP is back with a mention in the Defense Science Board's DoD Energy Strategy "More Fight - Less Fuel" (pdf). The report looks at current and future energy efficiencies and savings. While it acknowledges the necessity to replace the Humvee it doesn't. like what it sees. MRAPs and JLTVs are just heavy resource consumers. Way back when, in 2005, ULTRA development focused on "survivability and safety:

• Survivability: This factor involves a vehicle’s ability to shield occupants from hostile action. The ULTRA AP will feature novel design concepts and research advances in lightweight and cost-effective armor to maximize capability and protection. The new armor was designed at GTRI in partnership with the Georgia Tech School of Materials Science and Egineering. The vehicle also incorporates a “blast bucket” designed to provide ballistic, blast and enhanced roll-over protection. New vehicle designs must incorporate dramatically increased resistance to explosions caused by mines and improvised explosive devices, Caille noted.
  
• Safety with Performance: The ULTRA design explored the use of on-board computers to integrate steering, suspension and brakes to provide an unparalleled level of mobility and safety, Caille added. The new vehicle’s integrated chassis represents an advancement over the most advanced current production vehicles."

At the time David Parekh, GTRI’s deputy director said “By including persons with high-performance automotive engineering and NASCAR expertise as part of our team, we were able to root this advanced concepts project in real-world vehicle design.”

Sources: As cited and GTRI 2005 Release.