This article introduces three key angle parameters of off-road vehicles: approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle, which measure the vehicle’s capabilities when approaching, leaving, and traversing obstacles. Additionally, it explores other important indicators such as the climbing angle, roll angle, steering angle, and suspension travel angle, helping to understand the off-road vehicle’s capability and stability.
Below is an angle diagram for the Yikong YK4106 remote-controlled car:
In the field of off-road vehicles, approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle are important indicators of a vehicle’s passability.
1. Approach Angle
The approach angle refers to the angle between the front protruding point of the vehicle and the ground when the vehicle is fully loaded and stationary. A larger approach angle means the vehicle is less likely to collide with obstacles (such as steep slopes or rocks) when approaching them. For instance, when an off-road vehicle navigates rugged mountain roads and encounters large rocks or steep inclines, a larger approach angle allows it to approach more easily without damaging the front. Therefore, a larger approach angle enhances the vehicle’s capability to tackle various complex terrains.
2. Departure Angle
The departure angle refers to the angle between the rear protruding point of the vehicle and the ground when the vehicle is fully loaded and stationary. A larger departure angle means the vehicle’s rear is less likely to collide with obstacles when leaving them. For example, when an off-road vehicle descends a steep slope, a larger departure angle allows it to exit smoothly without the rear touching the top of the slope. During off-road activities, especially when traversing terrains with significant elevation changes, a larger departure angle ensures the vehicle leaves safely, preventing rear damage.
3. Breakover Angle
Also known as the vertical clearance angle, the breakover angle is the smallest acute angle formed at the lowest point of the vehicle when cutting planes through the outer edges of the front and rear wheels, perpendicular to the vehicle’s longitudinal symmetry plane. The breakover angle primarily reflects the vehicle’s ability to avoid being grounded on obstacles while traversing uneven terrain. For example, when an off-road vehicle crosses over large rocks or ditches, a larger breakover angle allows it to pass without getting stuck on the bottom. A larger breakover angle enhances the vehicle’s passability in complex terrains and reduces the likelihood of getting stuck due to bottoming out.
What Other Angle Parameters Are There for Off-Road Vehicles?
In addition to the approach angle, departure angle, and breakover angle, off-road vehicles have the following angle parameters:
1. Climbing Angle
The climbing angle, also known as the maximum gradeability, is the steepest slope that the vehicle can ascend while fully loaded on a good surface in first gear. This angle reflects the vehicle’s ability to climb steep inclines. A larger climbing angle means the vehicle can conquer steeper hills, which is crucial for off-road driving in mountainous or complex terrains. For instance, some high-performance off-road vehicles can climb slopes of 45 degrees or even steeper.
2. Roll Angle
The roll angle refers to the angle of inclination of the vehicle’s body relative to the ground when the vehicle is turning or traversing inclined surfaces. This angle reflects the vehicle’s stability and rollover resistance. Off-road vehicles may encounter inclined surfaces or execute sharp turns, and a smaller roll angle ensures that the vehicle is less likely to roll over in these situations, improving driving safety. Generally, off-road vehicles have a higher center of gravity, requiring good suspension design and stability systems to control the roll angle.
3. Steering Angle
The steering angle is divided into inner and outer steering angles, referring to the rotation angle of the front wheels relative to the vehicle’s body during steering. A larger steering angle enables the off-road vehicle to make tighter turns in narrow spaces, enhancing maneuverability. When navigating narrow mountain roads or forest paths, a larger steering angle allows the vehicle to pass through these areas more flexibly.
4. Suspension Travel Angle
The suspension travel angle mainly reflects the degree of movement of the off-road vehicle’s suspension system. When the vehicle travels on uneven terrain, the suspension system extends and compresses to maintain contact between the wheels and the ground. A larger suspension travel angle means the suspension system can provide a greater range of movement, allowing the wheels to maintain better contact with the ground when encountering large pits or bumps, improving passability and stability. For example, some specialized off-road vehicles are equipped with long-travel suspension systems to handle extreme off-road conditions.