QinetiQ awarded hybrid electric drive contract

Qinetiq has won a prestigious contract with the MoD to analyse the performance and assess the overall suitability of hybrid electric drive (HED) systems for military vehicles. Under this Applied Research Programme (ARP) contract, QinetiQ will act as systems integrator for the design and build of a 6-wheel, 18-tonne technology demonstrator, with individual wheel control. QinetiQ will evaluate its performance in realistic military environments and undertake a range of studies to provide the first in-depth UK MoD assessment of HED technology. It is hoped that the HED system, which involves the use of electric motors in each wheel, will provide improved mobility, lower fuel consumption, better payload capability, increased stealth range and faster acceleration. QinetiQ has already developed a conventionally driven 6x6 high mobility demonstrator and will use its skills in technology integration to develop the new HED demonstrator. The demonstrator vehicle with its wheel-mounted electric drives, battery energy storage system, diesel power generators and digital driver displays will be controlled by a QinetiQ vehicle management system. This system will control the drive to individual wheels and manage the power supply for optimum performance and efficiency. The control system will be developed using the HYSIM simulation package. The HED demonstrator vehicle will offer the first use of ‘in-wheel’ electric drive systems designed for serial production and incorporating a gear change system. QinetiQ will be leading a world-class technology and manufacturing team, which includes Magnetic Systems Technology, Multidrive and Vickers Defence Systems. Steven Goldsack, vehicles systems project manager said: "Winning this contract from MoD provides us with a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate that significant improvements in military capability are achievable through the use of HED technology. We understand the risks and shall prepare this technology ready for application in future military platforms as well as commercial environments."