IDC - Multi-Disciplinary Innovative Solutions Provider

Leading Multi-Disciplinary
Innovative Solutions Provider

  

 

Defense Solutions & Products

EBS - Emergency Brake System

Lifesaving at Your Fingertips

 

The EBS is an essential feature in the modern AFV, APC and MBT.

In emergency situations, the EBS system enables the commander, or any other member of the crew, to achieve an immediate stop of the vehicle at the "push of a button" by bypassing the driver and activating the vehicle's original braking system.

By doing so, it dramatically increases the chances of SURVIVABILITY of the crew both IN COMBAT AND IN TRAINING.

The EBS is a compact, easy-to-install, self-contained hydroelectric system (24V DC) ready to be used at any time under harsh field conditions.

EBS for Defense

A: Electric Harnesses
B: Activating "Push Buttons"
C: Hydroelectric Power Pack
D: Hydraulic Hoses
E: Actuators Linear/Rotary

The EBS stands out as an essential feature that the modern AFV APC and MBT cannot do without.

  • The system is "transparent" to the user in the sense that the driver is oblivious to its presence, since it does not affect the original braking system.
  • The vehicle's original braking system and its parameters remain untouched.
  • The Israeli MBT MERKAVA Mk3 is equipped with the EBS-3 (first generation) product, and the MERKAVA Mk4 is presently being upgraded to include the EBS-4 product (second generation).

 

How Does it Work?

The following appalling scenario reflects the situation today:

The AFV is operated by a driver and a commander, both interiorly located in separate positions, communicating only through an intercom system.

In case of system failure, complete lack of communication occurs, creating a potentially hazardous situation. On top of this already critical situation, the crew's visibility, and in particular that of the driver, is very limited, while the commander's visibility is much superior. The fact that, in recent years, armoured forces worldwide fight with closed hatches intensifies both the issue of "poor visibility" and the lack of communication.

Since the driver is the only one to control the vehicle's mobility, only he can stop the vehicle. Thus, any situation in which the driver is unable to perform (injury, fatigue, lack of communication etc.) may result in a lethal situation for both the running vehicle and the crew.

Following is an alternative scenario - in which the EBS system enters the picture, enabling the commander to stop the uncontrolled running vehicle by the "push of a button."

  1. The power-pack accumulator (energy storage loaded by hydraulic pressure) is normally in "standby" mode.
  2. An emergency situation occurs: The commander activates the "push button."
  3. A pressure pulse is transmitted to the actuators.
  4. The actuators activate the vehicle's original braking system.
  5. The vehicle stops immediately!
  6. The system's time response: 100 msec!
  7. After the emergency situation has passed, the commander releases the “push button” and the breaking system returns to its normal status.
  8. This sequence can be repeated numerous times.