Uploaded by alfredix 10/10/2009 19:17:42
the Multi-Environment-Vehicle is designed to operated on solid ground, water and in the air.
It is based on a "CH-54 Skycrane" like design to hold an MPATV Truck.
To dock the truck, there are 4 docking arms that grip the truck on predefined positions.
The docking process is fully automatic and controlled by sensors in truck and docking arms.
When the truck is undocked, the Heli-Part can act as a UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle).
In this mode, it used for protection of the truck's mission or for areal surveillance.
When the truck is docked to the "heli", full control of all flight functions is taken over the pilot, who is on the passenger seat of the truck.
To be able to land and swim on water, the MEV features two inflatable pontons. The pontons are inflated by compressed air.
If not used they are stored in the rear portion of the docking arms.
when landing on solid ground, the MEV uses the Heli-like landing bars.
In swim mode, the rotor blades are folded together (similar to the MH-53 Helicopter, when operator from a carrier)
The MEV is driven by the turbines in Swim mode. Steering will be accomplished by the rear stabilzers (similar to swamp boats)
It is also possible to lower the truck in the gripping unit and use the trucks propellers. The MPATV can swim  and therefore support the swimming in case Turbines would be too loud or steering must be more accurate (like on rivers)
For selfdefense the MEV has 2 20mm Vulcan guns.
It can carry a fully loaded MPATV e.g. a ICV with up to 8 men of personell (model shows basic MPATV).