Abstract: Experimental research on steering characteristics is an important technical method for the analyzing of steering performance and validating of steering theory of tracked vehicles. In view of the absence of accurate and efficient steering test means for tracked vehicles, experiment approach of overall steering performance parameters have been given an overall analysis based on the relationships among steering kinematics and dynamic parameters. Experiment method of actual steering radius of tracked vehicle is proposed according to the GPS-based steering track test instrument. With the combination of National Instruments measurement system, memory revolving speed and torque tester and GPS-based steering track test instrument, uninterrupted experiments of multiple steering radiuses for steering kinematic and dynamic parameters has been implemented, and the test efficiency and precision of the steering performance parameters have been improved significantly. The usage of test equipment and the process of test data have been depicted in detail, and the critical question of truncation and synchronization of experimental data measured from multi-set of test instrument have been resolved. Test results are analyzed and compared with calculation results of theoretical model. The research provides an important technical method for steering performance test and theoretical model validation for tracked vehicles.

Key words: armored vehicle, steering performance parameters, truncation and synchronization of test data, uninterrupted experiments