An even better AMV

Text: Matti Remes
Photos: Pentti Hokkanen

Oja is responsible for improving the chassis and control features of AMV armoured vehicles. His work covers, for example, developing entire systems and single components for the suspension, wheels, and control systems. "Often we start looking for solutions on the basis of the customer's wishes." They want increased performance capacity, which means even better technical features and easier usability, Oja states. For product development, the challenge is that newly added features increase the weight of the AMV. However, performance capacity should not be affected by it. "The performance values must be kept unchanged or improved to beat the competition," Oja says.

Prototype is put through the wringer

New components and systems are mainly designed with CAD software. Three-dimensional software also allows simulating the operation of the designed component before the prototype is manufactured. The prototype is thoroughly tested in the vehicle. Based on the test results and feedback, the test versions are shaped into the final product. "Usually the product must be changed several times before the desired outcome is reached." In addition to designing and testing, cooperation with Patria's subcontractors and supporting the production phase are part of his duties. Oja started his work at Patria's testing department in 2000, and has worked in product development for the past eight years. The experience and expertise gathered over the years greatly benefit a product developer. "In this job, you often have to make quick decisions on how the customer's improvement wishes are to be implemented, for example. The schedules are often tight. Experience is a big help in going in the correct direction right from the start."   This article was published in the Patria magazine in June 2013