THE GREEN MACHINE
with these engines can conduct missions carrying heavier loads faster and for longer distances without refueling.
An added benefit is that the T901 is also designed to fit in the same space as the T700, which makes it easy and affordable to gradually upgrade the Army’s existing Apache and Black Hawk fleets with this more powerful and economical engine.
GROUND IMPROVEMENTS New greener power plants are being developed for land vehicles. We are also developing refit kits to upgrade existing engines with fuel-saving technology. Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems (PEO GCS) and PEO Combat Support and Combat Service Support seek to reduce the logistical burden of the Army’s ground vehicle portfolio by integrating new tech- nologies that reduce fuel consumption, increase powertrain efficiency, reduce maintenance support at the tactical edge and utilize predictive maintenance. Tis means fewer fuel convoys and fewer logistics trains will be needed to sustain our units, which puts fewer Soldiers and assets at risk. Vehicle platforms with electrification provide other benefits to the warfighter, such as extending range and mission duration, increasing silent mobil- ity and improving sprint speeds.
Here are some of the improvements being developed, along with the tactical benefits they provide:
• Intelligent anti-idle controls, which are already proven in ci- vilian vehicles, reduce engine run time and provide limited silent-watch capability.
• Fuel-sensing software, also available in some civilian vehicles, efficiently reduces fuel consumption.
• Onboard vehicle power systems lower logistical burdens. These efficient onboard systems function as the vehicle’s alter- nator, but also have enough excess generating capacity to pro- vide electric power where needed. In many situations, these systems can replace towed generators that reduce unit mobil- ity and require additional maintenance and fuel supplies. In this fashion, onboard vehicle power systems reduce overall fuel consumption, make units more agile on the move and make it easier for units to move from one position to another.
• Hybrid propulsion systems improve fuel economy and accel- eration, optimize silent watch/mobility capability and increase power generation.
BRINGING EFFICIENCY TO THE BATTLEFIELD
Advancements in anti-idle technology were on display as engineers with the DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and project leaders with the Joint Program Office for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) demonstrated the operational benefits of the center’s Tactical Vehicle Electrification Kit integrated on a JLTV in March 2022. (Photo by Jerome Aliotta, DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center)
6
Army AL&T Magazine
Spring 2024
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