Two New Autonomous Diesel Series-Hybrid Vehicles Begin Field Testing
16 March 2006
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| The UGCV |
The US Army has begun field testing and evaluation of two diesel series hybrid-electric Crusher unmanned ground combat vehicles (UGCV) powered by UQM high-torque propulsion systems and generators. The 6.5 ton Crusher vehicles—the latest generation of the older Spinner—are being developed and built by a team led by the National Robotics Engineering Center, a unit of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.
The two additional Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicles are greatly upgraded versions of the original 8.5-ton Spinner which began field demonstrations more than three years ago and was powered by an earlier generation of UQM propulsion motors and a micro-turbine generator.
The two Crushers are each powered by six specially developed high-torque wheel-mounted UQM propulsion motors that operate utilizing energy produced by a UQM generator driven by a small diesel engine. The propulsion systems have been upgraded to incorporate a number of the Company’s recent proprietary technology developments including full wave commutation control.
These upgrades have increased the torque, power, efficiency and speed of the propulsion systems and have reduced their audible noise signature. In addition, the propulsion systems have the capability to operate at full rated power and torque in both forward and reverse directions and can dynamically switch from full-power forward to full-power reverse as required.
Killing people all over the third world while looking out for the environment.
Posted by: Justin | 16 March 2006 at 09:44 AM
Look at the bright side. Maybe the military can change perceptions about hybrid vehicles so the macho urban warriors will trade in their Hummers for a hybrid. In addition, if the Government is paying for R&D, technology may advance faster.
Posted by: JMartin | 16 March 2006 at 09:53 AM
Additionally, by generating wartime vehicles that consume less fuel, you shorten the supply chain dramatically. Doing so allows for less fuel consumption, times a multiplier -- after all, the vehicles delivering the fuel use quite a bit of fuel, too.
Shortening the supply chain results in a more efficient Army, and reduces the risk of injury to soldiers working the supply chain as well as the risk of vehicles going underused because of a threat to their fuel supply.
Posted by: stomv | 16 March 2006 at 10:03 AM
Save oil. Get out of Iraq.
Posted by: t | 16 March 2006 at 11:33 AM
political comments aside - most of what you civilians use started out in the military. This is a perfect example of what we may see in our own driveway but in the form of a family size sedan, minivan, or such.
Posted by: JGray | 16 March 2006 at 01:11 PM
The more US troops can be kept out of harm's way the better.
Posted by: Ash | 16 March 2006 at 02:04 PM
Is it really autonomous though?
I find it hard to belive that it fires on targets w/o human input.
Posted by: Ash | 16 March 2006 at 02:29 PM
Note to all commenters: I have deleted the comments with "f-ing", and will continue to do so. If you're going to make a comment, please do so without that.
Posted by: Mike | 16 March 2006 at 03:24 PM
"Most of what you civilians use started out in the military." - that's why civvies are now driving to the mall in gas-guzzling Hummers while US soldiers have to make do without humdrum basics like body armor - or adequate backup. The logic is impeccable.
Really, who wouldn't want an autonomous tank to help out with chores around the house? Move over, Roomba - here comes Rummy!
Posted by: Rafael Seidl | 16 March 2006 at 03:40 PM
The future of warfare is fighting with big power efficient cold steel toys while crushing civilians like ants. Cheers.
Posted by: rexis | 16 March 2006 at 05:24 PM
I like how there is just mention of the military and all the political commentary comes out. Maybe we should just stick to the meaty/intelligent debate.
Posted by: Steve | 16 March 2006 at 07:43 PM
Support the troops!
in their (70% +) desire to get out of "our" self-created hell-hole, that is...
Posted by: MB | 17 March 2006 at 12:17 AM
Blah, blah, blah. Save the planet, Kill yourself
Posted by: scott | 17 March 2006 at 08:46 AM
I told Rummy how to put a stop to IEDs months ago. They were not about to listen to someone from outside.
Posted by: Lucas | 17 March 2006 at 08:49 AM
Does Any Body care to comment on "diesel series hybrids and electric motors and micro-turbine generators" ?
Posted by: e | 17 March 2006 at 09:19 AM
Where did you find your quote e?
Posted by: duh | 17 March 2006 at 11:12 PM