Development and Testing of Series Hybrid Drive Vehicles for Military Applications

Abstract

Since 1983, General Dynamics Land Systems has maintained an active development program in series hybrid electric drive vehicles comprised of a diesel engine coupled with a generator to provide electrical energy to a battery bank that powered in-hub permanent magnet motors to propel wheeled or tracked vehicles and supply both on-board and exportable electrical power. A development program with DARPA-ONR-USMC funded the RST-V program (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Tactical Vehicle) to provide the USMC with a vehicle capable of being transported on a V-22 aircraft and providing high mobility performance, silent watch and silent movement capabilities. Later the vehicle was used to combine exportable power (30 kW) in order to meet the growing demand for battlefield power. The in-hub electric motors on all 4 wheels of the RST-V was a key factor in providing high mobility, improved survivability, increased reliability, and increased interior payload space due to the lack of a drive shave/transmission. The increase in survivability becomes key because the vehicle could move on as few as 1 operating motor or without the use of the engine. More than 20,000 hours of testing have been completed leading to significant knowledge in battery management, power management, and system maintenance and reliability.