Lighter Trucks Could Save Army Millions, Science Academy Says

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>The U.S. army could save millions of dollars in fuel and logistics costs each year by using lightweight structural materials for its trucks, the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council said.

The army could stimulate advances in manufacturing technologies and high-strength, lightweight materials such as titanium and magnesium by investing in research and development programs, the April 2 report said. Those advancements could one day be used to make over-the-road trucks safer and more fuel efficient as well.

“Trucks represent the backbone of any military operation, providing fighting forces with integral support supplies — equipment, food, water, ammunition and fuel — required for success on the battlefield,” the NRC said.