BAE systems teams with QinetiQ for hybrid combat vehicle drive 07 February 2012

BAE systems and QinetiQ are working together to deliver the hybrid electric drive for the US Army ground combat vehicle (GCV) programme.

QinetiQ is providing its E-X-Drive transmission to the BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman team that was recently awarded a $449.9 million contract for the technology development phase.

The QinetiQ transmission, which is for electric drive tracked vehicles, is being seen as marking a significant step forward from conventional hydro-mechanical transmissions, in terms of efficiency, size, weight, reliability and flexibility.

Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of weapons systems at BAE Systems, explains that it enables improved acceleration, agility, fuel efficiency and maintainability, compared to current drivetrains.

It also delivers electrical power for on-board vehicle systems, or export power for stationary applications.

Importantly E-X-Drive also enables fundamental changes in vehicle configuration, as the engine and transmission do not have to be connected mechanically.

This allows increased flexibility in the choice of power sources and their location, facilitating introduction of fuel cells and advanced battery/energy storage technologies as they become available.

"E-X-Drive is the key component of our hybrid electric drive propulsion system for the GCV, having been proven by the US Army's Future Combat System programme as the most mature and capable product available," comments Signorelli.

"By combining our expertise in vehicle design with QinetiQ's game-changing technology, we are able to deliver an affordable electric drive propulsion system that enables exceptional force protection and mobility in a lower weight vehicle," he continues.

"Our system has the added advantage of provisioning for growth in power requirements as new technologies are matured and integrated into the platform."

QinetiQ will deliver several transmissions during the 24-month technology development phase of the GCV programme. They will be used to confirm performance and durability targets, demonstrating the technology's readiness for prototype builds during the engineering and manufacturing phase.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
BAE Systems
QinetiQ

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