|
 Under the
Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V)
program, the Marine Corps, DARPA and the Office of Naval Research
(ONR) demonstrated the capabilities of a prototype hybrid electric
drive designed for recce missions. The vehicle, dubbed Shadow, is
an advanced technology demonstrator 4x4 vehicles, which can be
carried internally in the V 22 tilt-rotor, CH-53, CH-46
helicopters and C-130 transporters, providing quick deployment and
deep insertion capability.
It was
constructed with advanced materials to reduce weight and improve
protection and survivability. Hybrid-electric propulsion system
and advanced suspension is utilized to improve on-road and
cross-country mobility. The vehicle is equipped with an RST
mission package including navigation/geolocation capability,
surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition systems,
wireless and on-the-move satellite communications and advances
situational awareness systems.
 The Shadow
is considered as a future successor to some of the M151 A2 fast
attack vehicle and the AM General Humvee in USMC service. In fact,
due to the spacious interiors derived from the distributed drive
system, the Shadow has an internal space equal to that of the
Humvee. Several configurations are planned for the Shadow,
including reconnaissance, command, light strike, anti-armor, and
mortar weapons carriers forward observer, forward air controller,
battlefield ambulance, air defense weapon carrier, logistics and
personnel carrier etc.
The basic
vehicle is designed to carry a crew of four. The hull is
constructed of aluminum, with optional use of armor kit protecting
against small arms fire and mines. Bulletproof transparent windows
are also optional. Main armament is a 7.62 or .50 caliber machine
gun, or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. Javelin missiles can be
included in the vehicle's combat load. The mission package
consists of an a 3 meter high telescopic mast, equipped with
electro-optical sensors and laser rangefinder for day/night
observation.
The
hybrid-electric drive is based on a front mounted Detroit Diesel
DI-4V 2.5 liter turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine, rated at
114kW. The diesel powers an electrical 110kW generator feeding
individual in-hub motors at each wheel. The in-hub motors are
rated 50kW each. All electrical motors and generators are supplied
by Magnet Motors. Backup power is provided by two rechargeable
Li-Ion battery packs provided by SAFT. The batteries are rated at
20kW hours output with 80kW peak used in "bursts". The Shadow can
travel at a maximum speed of 112km per hour on road. At a speed of
50 km/h the vehicle will reach a range of 758km consuming 95
liters of fuel. Up to 32 km can be travelled on battery power
only. The pneumatic suspension enables reduction of the vehicle's
height and width. At minimum ground clearance, the vehicle can
"crawl" at a height of only 10 cm from the ground in acoustic and
thermal "stealth" mode, driving silently on battery power with the
diesel engine shut off. The height adjustment feature is useful to
improve survivability and facilitate internal loading in air
transports such as V22. When rapid acceleration or maximum torque
is required for steep gradients, both diesel and electrical
engines are operated to gain maximum power and torque. This mode
is also used for rapid recharging of the batteries.
GDLS is
currently upgrading the prototype vehicles to evaluate their use
as utility carriers, prime movers and electrical generators for
various applications. The upgrade will include a 30kW export power
capability generated by the vehicle's hybrid electric drive, which
could power battlefield loads such as the Unit Operations Center
and radars. The vehicle will be evaluated in an operational
environment in early 2006. |
