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2006 BUV Design
Competition
The Sixth Annual Basic Utility Vehicle (BUV)
Competition was held on Saturday, April 29 in
overcast
conditions. For the first time, the
universities developed their BUVs according to BUV Ambulance
specification. Milwaukee School of Engineering
became the first two-time champion by winning first place with BUV powered by an
single cylinder Kohler engine. Using a
hydrostatic drive with the motor attached to flipped
rear axle, they powered through all
invents...including a new event called the Mogul Field (see below).
Along with a three-foot trophy, MSOE won many prizes
from Indiana businesses, including Indy 500 race
tickets. The Institute for Affordable
Transportation (IAT) sponsors the competition to
facilitate the low-cost development of a simple,
appropriate vehicle for building rural economies in
the developing world.
The course was configured by IAT to represent the poor road
conditions common throughout the developing world.
The events were designed to simulate the rugged
terrain and the “worst case” conditions where these
“work” vehicles will serve. All vehicles were
loaded with 420 lbs of sand to simulate a working load. Judges from Ford Motor
Company, Delphi, ArvinMeritor, and other companies
were present to score the vehicles.
Nearly all the vehicles in the competition had a
breakdown at some point on the grueling course.
University of Cinninatti (2nd Place) in wheel ruts
on the obstacle course
Alfred State University (3rd Place) motors through
the mudpit.
Northern Illinois University won the "Most
Innovative Feature" award for their unique front
suspension design.
University of Dayton sails water-logged path.
Purdue team giving an oral report.
John Brown University has lane 1 in the acceleration
test.
University of Missouri spins around the agility
course.
At the end of the day, MSOE and Alfred State
demonstrated their on board water pumps after the
swamp crossing.
MSOE motors through the mogul field
Continue
for pics from 2005 event
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