Ground Pressure Rating = 2.6 The lower the ground pressure, the softer the material the vehicle can traverse, i.e. sand or loose gravel. Ground pressure can be decreased by: –increasing the surface area of contact between the ground and the vehicle –Reducing the vehicle mass Greatest contact surface area can be achieved through using tracks instead of wheels –Tracks are incidentally much heavier than wheels, and also emit a much larger audio signature, making stealthy movements difficult at best

Robustness Rating = 1.7 Defined as the ability to withstand punishment As an off road vehicle, the BURRO must be able to withstand jostling from rough terrain and collisions with obstacles If the vehicle were to see combat, it should be able to withstand small arms fire, as there is little doubt a soldier may use it for cover Likewise the BURRO must be designed such that any damage it sustains will not affect whatever cargo it may be transporting

Amphibious Rating = 3.6 The ability to traverse deep water, or ford running water Vital if vehicle is to be able to cross any terrain Helpful in crossing rivers and small marshlands Requires more components –Waterproofing –Water propulsion –Added weight and size Unsure of usefulness Concessions of size and weight

Fail-Safe Design Rating = 1.5 Designs that allow the vehicle to continue to operate without interruption –Failures are automatically compensated for Could be implemented into power train and other systems Ensures that supplies are delivered May be difficult to provide total fail-safe design

Power Density Rating = 1.1 Defined as the amount of power delivered by a power source Extremely important –Power density must be equal or higher than needed to ensure proper operation Limits the number of power supplies that may be used –Some power supplies just do not have the ability to power a system such as the BURRO More weight, speed, etc… = more power density required

Turning Radius Rating = 2.2 Turning radius is important for maneuverability in tight areas. It would be especially important if traveling off-road, in order to maneuver around objects. It can be difficult to get a small turning radius if the steering tires are powered. The shorter the wheelbase the smaller the turn radius. A skid steer design would allow for a zero turn radius, but would require a unique drive train and may effect weight. A skid steer design would also eliminate the need for sensors in the rear of the vehicle because it would not need to reverse.

Resistance to Anti-personnel Mines Rating = 3.0 More than 700 types of known antipersonnel mines; most common is the "blast mine" Usually contains 25g-250g of high explosive (~4190 J/g) Hard to determine force of explosion due to factors such as shape of charge, soil type, depth of mine, shrapnel, etc. Most anti-personnel mine triggers require a minimum weight of ~ 5 kg