The U.S. Army is currently putting an advanced hybrid tactical vehicle prototype to the test in Bavaria’s wintry conditions.
This initiative, shared through official U.S. Army Europe and Africa channels, revolves around the Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H), developed by GM Defense.
This innovative vehicle, which merges diesel and electric power, made its debut at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference last October.
Testing in Bavaria
The 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division is assessing the prototype as part of the Combined Resolve exercise, an ongoing operation at Hohenfels’ Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany.
This practical testing phase plays a critical role in the Army’s Transformation in Contact initiative, which aims to incorporate cutting-edge technologies in real-world scenarios.
The objective is to evaluate these advancements away from standard testing environments.
While the Army continues to solidify its requirements for replacing the aging Humvee fleet—an iconic vehicle in service for over 40 years—there’s a clear desire to retain a smaller vehicle similar in size to the Humvee.
Some units have upgraded to the newer Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, but the Army is focused on ensuring a compact alternative remains available.
Advanced Features of NGTV-H
Builtin on the foundation of the Chevy Silverado, the NGTV-H features the same Duramax engine found in the Infantry Squad Vehicle.
It hosts an impressive electric battery with a capacity of around 300 kilowatt-hours, paired with a 15-gallon fuel tank for added functionality.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the increasing demand for quieter military vehicles, a need that hybrid electric technology aims to fulfill.
The NGTV-H facilitates silent operations, enabling critical systems to run without the engine idling.
This design allows operators to effortlessly toggle between quiet mode and traditional engine function.
Moreover, the NGTV-H’s electric battery is poised to enhance overall operational efficiency, significantly lowering the weight of batteries that soldiers carry in the field.
The Army has reported a dramatic rise in battery weights over the years; platoons went from lugging around 48 pounds during Desert Shield and Desert Storm to an astounding 1,200 pounds today.
Future Potential and Adaptability
During a recent trip to GM Defense’s proving grounds in Milford, a senior executive emphasized the substantial energy demands of modern military equipment and the diverse range of technologies requiring power.
Designed for adaptability, the NGTV-H can be transported via C-130 and C-17 aircraft, and it is compatible for sling-loading with both CH-47 Chinook and MH-53 King Stallion helicopters.
Interest in hybrid-electric technologies for combat vehicles has surged among military leaders in recent years, acknowledging their potential advantages in combat scenarios.
The ongoing evaluations in Europe could set the stage for the rapid integration of these advanced systems into the Army’s arsenal.
Source: Militarytimes