Army Transitions Hybrid Electric Technology to FCS Manned Ground Vehicles

After 12 years of intense collaboration between government and industry partners, the Army has reached a critical milestone in developing next-generation Manned Ground Vehicles MGVs. In August 2007, the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center TARDEC began full-load integration testing of the militarys first hybrid electric drive propulsion system designed for combat vehicles. This new propulsion system will drive and provide electrical power to all eight Army Future Combat Systems FCS MGV variants. As explained by MG Charles Cartwright, Program Manager FCS Brigade Combat Team BCT, Combat vehicles need significantly more power than commercial platforms. To meet those requirements, the Army and a robust set of industry partners have pioneered the development of advanced hybrid propulsion systems. This work directly impacts the Armys ability to enhance force protection and more rapidly execute battlefield maneuver.