The UK ministry of defense (MoD) has awarded NP Aerospace a £3 million contract to demonstrate hybrid electric-drive systems on Jackal and Foxhound vehicles as part of the MoD’s Protected Mobility Fleet Vehicle Program.
NP Aerospace will work with General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, Supacat and Magtec to deliver the project. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK and Supacat are the partner vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and Magtec is the electric drive and battery technology partner.
Developed by Magtec in the UK, the hybrid electric e-drive solution for the vehicles is designed to deliver silent mobility, enhanced silent watch capabilities, off-board electrical power and increased onboard power for the insertion of the new technologies.
Alongside delivering technical and operational enhancements, the introduction of hybrid technology will ultimately reduce the British Army’s reliance on fossil fuels – a step towards the government’s 2050 net zero goal.
The initial stages of the development program are expected to be showcased at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics 20 (DVD20) in November with comprehensive testing at Millbrook Proving Grounds being completed in July 2021.
“These tests will ensure our Armed Forces have the latest, safest and most efficient technology, while continuing to support prosperity across the UK. They represent a potential opportunity to improve our vehicles sustainability and military effectiveness,” UK defense minister Jeremy Quin, said.
“The Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) program delivers safety, efficiency and innovation activities across a variety of vehicle platforms, via a collaborative approach,” David Petheram, chief operating officer, NP Aerospace, said.
“The hybrid electric drive project is a significant development that will further extend the technical capabilities of the vehicles and is an important advancement in the incorporation of new technology.”
“Foxhound, the British Army light infantry vehicle of choice, already has an architecture that enables electrification and is a natural choice for this demonstrator. We look forward to demonstrating our e-drive Foxhound in the coming months,” Carew Wilks, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, commented.
“Following the work we have done with Exeter University on the All-Terrain Military Platform (ATMP) to give it electric drive and associated control, this piece of work is the natural follow on for us,” Nick Ames, SC Group-Global CEO, concluded.
