Horstmann suspension
Horstmann suspension is a type of tracked suspension devised by the British engineer Sidney Horstmann in 1922.
The system uses coil springs and has the advantages of a relatively long travel and, consisting of a self-contained bogie that is bolted to the outside of the hull, causing little or no encroachment on internal hull space. In addition, the entire suspension unit may be relatively easily removed and replaced if damaged, e.g., by mines.
The name "Horstmann suspension" also refers to suspension built by the Horstman company (now Horstman Defence Systems Ltd) whether of the bogie type, torsion beam design, hydrogas, hydropneumatic or other.
The Horstmann system was used on, amongst others, the following vehicles:
- Universal (Bren gun) carrier
- Loyd Carrier
- Vickers light tanks
- Centurion tank
- Chieftain tank
Horstman built suspension is used on
- Challenger tank
- Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle
- AS-90 self-propelled gun