The US Army has unveiled a concept combat vehicle that’s been designed not only for fuel efficiency, but also to act as a generator in remote locations like Afghanistan. The Army demonstrated the Fuel Efficient ground vehicle Demonstrator (Bravo version) -- or FED Bravo, as it’s been dubbed -- at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2012 World Congress last week in Detroit.
Last fall, the Army demonstrated the FED Alpha, a companion vehicle to the FED Bravo that shared its fuel efficiency but could not generate and export power when plugged into a microgrid. The power generated by the FED Bravo can be used as alternative power in the field to promote energy efficiency and allow soldiers to avoid local electricity sources.
The Army's latest concept vehicle, the FED Bravo, made its public debut at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2012 World Congress in Detroit last week. (Source: US Army)
With oil prices high and environmental awareness a global concern, fuel efficiency appears to be the way forward for both military and aerospace vehicle design. Boeing, for example, has made fuel efficiency the No. 1 design priority for its next-generation line of 737s, the 737 MAX. (See: Boeing's 737 Max Targets Fuel Efficiency.)
At the core of the Army’s concept vehicle is a Ford 4.4-liter, twin turbocharged, 268-horsepower V8 diesel engine. Different elements of the FED Bravo have been custom designed to burn less fuel. Specialized features include a combination starter/generator that shuts off the engine when it normally would be idling and restarts it when the driver presses the accelerator again. This improves fuel economy and reduces emissions, according to the Army.
The vehicle also runs partly on an advanced lithium-ion battery designed for high energy and power density. It features a six-speed auto transmission. A front axle powered by an electric motor also saves on fuel, as does a rear-wheel drive linked to a hybrid fuel-powered and electric system. Another fuel efficiency feature is a hydraulic brake system that eliminates the need for a second pump. The system is integrated with the steering system to provide it hydraulic pressure.
Other features of the vehicle are carbon ceramic brake rotors specially coated for durability, low-drag aluminum brake calipers, and an armored cab and V-shaped hull for blast protection, the military said.
The Army designed the concept vehicle with a team of 18 students in the automotive design program at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies. The Department of Defense paid for the development, which was handled by engineers at the Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center and World Technical Services.
The vehicle must have a more powerful engine for the times when it is needed for survival. Sometimes it happens that conditions require rapid acceleration and making a very fast exit, or else winding up dead. So a tactical vehicle must have that capability.
The ability to deliver useful electrical power to an external load is a" big deal", since that form of power is not used in the normal operation of an electrical vehicle of any kind. So it would be interesting to have an explanation of just how the conversion from high voltage battery DC to 120/240 volts AC is accomplished in a small package in this vehicle.
William,
First I'll put up a 50hp ICE and a 150hp E motor any day against a 300hp diesel and leave it in the dust while getting 65-75% better fuel mileage. That better fuel mileage adds up in $ and lives from not having to truck fuel in.
And high power silent operation could be a lifesaver too. One E Humvee drove up behind a presentation and no one noticed it a couple ft behind them. That kind of stealth can be very valuable, No?
Plus they can be charged from RE in the field up to the battery range. EV racers normally beat ICE's of 2x's the rated power on drag strips and likely do to instance acceleration and a flat and high torque curve starting from 0 rpm.
Having electric power is a big deal but they always have had it with belt driven gens. Nor is EV or hybrids news as both have been in production a long time ago.
The 1998? E Ranger EV was equipted with a 150kw ACPropulsion inverter, same one that inverted for the motor they stil make. Isn't that enough for you? So please don't try to say these are new or can't be done as they have in mass production.
As for the explaination of how an inverter would do high DC to AC just about all inverter do exacty that. Most all UPS, many other inverters boost DC to a high voltage like 300vdc then PMW it into AC of the voltage wanted. No? If not please explain?
Thanks for the hurricane tale, Jerry. Since the military is concerned about providing power in remote locations, this idea makes a lot of sense. It also looks like it has apps in first responder and other emergency situations.
The vehicle must have a more powerful engine for the times when it is needed for survival. Sometimes it happens that conditions require rapid acceleration and making a very fast exit, or else winding up dead. So a tactical vehicle must have that capability.
The ability to deliver useful electrical power to an external load is a" big deal", since that form of power is not used in the normal operation of an electrical vehicle of any kind. So it would be interesting to have an explanation of just how the conversion from high voltage battery DC to 120/240 volts AC is accomplished in a small package in this vehicle.
While it is an example, eff, etc it isn't. Far better hybrid Humvees have already been done.
My big objection is the huge motor for a military vehicle. It shouldn't be over 100hp and should be well under 50hp with a 150hp E motor and 10 mile battery range would give it far better peformance, economy and stealth.
As for vehicles powering other things been done since they were invented.
I used my EV's to power my home for 3 days after a hurricane killing the power.
And a good number of pickup and commercial untility, construction, etc trucks have this stock retail now.
The Nissam Leaf EV has this now also as an option.
Good point, Jon. Likewise, military developments in a wide range of technology can be transferred to local and state law enforcement as well as emergecy operations.
We're increasingly seeing vehicles with electricity-generating capabilities. Hybrids, with their higher-voltage electrical architectures, are great candidates for this. Mitsubishi's i-MiEV also offered this capability, and it was used after the tsunami knocked out power in Japan.
During the southeast Asian tsunami, a US aircraft carrier provided on-site medical care, food, fuel, air-lift services to isolated vilages, fresh water, and electrical power to the survivors. Although a tool of war, military equipment also can serve humanitarian purposes.
Elizabeth, this is a good example of continued innovation in military equipment. Anything you can do to reduce supply requirements helps. It could also be used for commercial purposes to allow operation in remote areas. With all the electronics we use in both the military and commercial worlds, this helps extend our reach.
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