Image source: topwar.ru
For the defense industry of the United States the creation of hybrid and fully electric vehicles for the us army is a very important step. The purpose of this is not related to environmental protection. The command wishes to increase the efficiency of the army, in addition to reducing noise during transport to the fighters were more difficult to detect.
Solves the problem of how to reduce the heat signature is to use the electrical system instead of a conventional engine. And the less troops rely on refuel the more maneuverable them during operations.
To bring these and other advantages on the battlefield, GM Defense is reportedly relies on a fully electric vehicle. Since parent company General Motors has invested $ 35 billion (!) in the underlying technology of its platform Ultium used in commercial vehicles, GM Defense President Steve Dumont said he may use the results of its work for the army.
After 2020, GM Defense won a contract to supply infantry machine, the company used its own funds for research and development to replace the internal combustion engine is fully electric. According to Dumont, it's still an internal effort, but the company sold electric car Hummer army in order for the service to begin testing the technology Ultium in tactically relevant environment.
He said that the army is "inevitable" will move to a fully electric traction due to operational benefits. But he acknowledged that while not much infrastructure to recharge these cars on the tactical line. Where to charge in the field, near the front line?
This leads him to two ideas: GM Defense and its partners may use hybrid technology as a kind of springboard, and they can use concepts that will bring power to the battlefield.
All-terrain electric module for missions Plasan North America, or ATeMM, may eventually solve both problems. The modules can be controlled remotely or over the head be towed by a vehicle.
John Cavedo, the company's President, said ATeMM was built as an attempt to create a smart trailer, which will be better able to overcome the rough terrain on their own for a leading vehicle. In the end, the idea grew into something much larger. In addition, experts say that ATeMM can also become mobile microset or convert vehicles running on gas, hybrids.
Manager of technology and innovation Dan Akeela explained that ATeMM might even head to push the vehicle to which it is attached, or improving fuel economy with the engine running, the vehicle or allowing so-called silent observation, which allows the vehicle to manage their communication systems and sensors with the engine off.