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In contrast to the diesel powered vehicles,
Textron Systems and General Tactical Vehicles, a joint venture
between General Dynamics Lnd Systems (GDLS) and AM General are
pursuing more ambitious approaches based on advanced hybrid-electric
powered JLTV concept vehicle.
Advanced Ground Mobility Vehicle (AGMV) from GTV
 GDLS
and AM General invested over $10 million for risk reduction
development and maturation of this vehicle and its innovative
In-Hub Hybrid Electric Drive system. AGMV has unique protection
attributes, combining a hexagon shaped armored capsule for mine
protection while optimizing also for side blast deflection and
small-arms protection. At a gross vehicle weight of 14,000 –
16,000 lbs with integral A kit armor, protecting against small
arms, mines, IEDs and blast, the new vehicle can carry payloads
of up to 5,000 lbs and be air transportable in C-130, CH-53
and CH-47.
The vehicle accommodates an adjustable suspension reducing
the vehicle's height to meet sealift transportation clearance
of 76". The variable suspension can also be used to adjust
the vehicle's ground clearance in the range of 8 – 26.5",
thus improving obstacle negotiation. AGMV has a top speed of
70 mph, acceleration (0-30 mph) of five seconds and range of
400 miles (running on hybrid). The vehicle accommodates seven
troops meeting the US Army maximum requirement. The baseline
vehicle is configured for a crew of two, and can be modified
into one of five different configurations. These include a four
door, combat tactical vehicle carrying five soldiers (including
the driver), armed with a remotely controlled weapon mount,
a similar version accommodates a command vehicle with a crew
of five. Another version is the utility vehicle which carries
a shelter, a reconnaissance vehicle carrying five to seven troops
or 6x6 tactical load carrier.
 Light
Utility Hybrid (LUV) from MillenWorks
Another concept vehicle was developed by MillenWorks, displayed
at both shows is demonstrating several critical technologies
that could be integrated in future military vehicles. The company
showed its light utility hybrid (LUV) vehicle, was developed
by MillenWorks with support from TRADEC and national Automotive
Center (NAC). The vehicle has a gross weight (GVW) of 18,500
lbs (8391 kg) and curb weight of 14,500 lb (6,577 kg). This
air transportable vehicle can be carried internally in a C-130
aircraft and CH-47 or CH-53 helicopters.
LUV uses the Steyr Motors M16 VTI Combat diesel engine as
a main engine for the parallel hybrid electric drive-train.
The 215 hp engine develops torque of 400 ln/ft, coupled with
an Eaton Autoshift 6 speed automated manual transmission in
the rear and Klune V two speed gearbox is at the front. Two
brushless, permanent magnet electrical engines are coupled in
parallel to the transmission boxs, adjacent to each axle, augmenting
the drive train with additional torque of 400 lb/ft each.
The electrical power contribute dramatic power surge for acceleration,
obstacle negotiation and survivability, facilitating rapid egress
from hot zones and reducing the chance of mobility kill due
to combat damage. On idle, road travel or deceleration, the
diesel charges two modular lithium ion battery packs which power
the electrical drive motors. LUV has a top road speed of 76
mph (122 kph). It can accelerate from 0 to 30 mph (0-48 kmh)
in 9 seconds. Its turning diameter is 9.1 meters. With a ground
clearance of 18" (46 cm) the vehicle can negotiate a vertical
step of 21" (60 cm.), gradients of 60% and 40% side slope
LUV vehicle offers superior mobility, ride quality, and roll
stability, utilizing semi-active Magneto-Rheological (MR) struts
developed by MillenWorks.
Among the key technologies demonstrated with the new vehicle
are the flexible drive-train, offering unique all-wheel drive
reduced fuel consumption in urban driving and silent watch capability.
Extensive onboard power is available to run electronic systems.
LUV is fitted with basic armor (A kit) which can be upgraded
with B-kit appliqué armor to meet advanced threats. The
hull is designed as an interchangeable 'safety cell', protected
by an integral armor and blast resistant V shaped hull.
Textron Marine and Land Systems is planning to utilize this
platform to develop advanced component technologies for future
tactical ground vehicles. The company recently announced teaming
with Boeing to compete for the future JLTV production. Boeing
is also the prime contractor for the US Army's Future Combat
Systems program, which includes seven manned ground systems
to be powered by electric drive systems.
The U.S. Army Future Combat System (FCS) ground vehicle hardware
development is already advancing to the next phase as the Army
begins testing state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion technology
on a new, fully loaded, fully integrated test bed called the
"Hot Buck" developed by BAE Systems. Designed to test
the US Army's next generation hybrid electric destined for all
Future Combat Systems vehicle platforms, the "Hot Buck"
creates the same conditions that will exist in FCS ground vehicles,
including space constraints, all of the anticipated primary
and non-primary power load components, electric control, energy
storage, cooling, filtration and other systems that will propel
and power tomorrow’s fleet of Army ground vehicles. Subsequently
to the "Hot Buck" testing, the new propulsion will
be installed into an FCS Maneuver Ground Vehicle (MGV)-like
platform known as the Hybrid Electric Reconfigurable Movable
Integration Test bed or "HERMIT."
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