SURUS (Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure) is a collaboration between the US Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center and General Motor’s Hydrotec.
SURUS is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, offering low temperature, silent, zero-emissions operation. Additionally, it can be configured for autonomous operation with LIDAR sensors embedded at the sides.
This Gen 2 fuel cell system combines a Hydrogen storage system capable of more than 400 miles of range with a Lithium-ion battery system, offering Exportable Power Takeoff (EPTO) where high-voltage DC from the fuel cell stack could be converted to both high- and low-voltage AC to power tools or equipment.
SURUS features two advanced electric drive units along with Four-wheel steering to get in and out of tight spaces.
While configured here as a cargo carrier, there are other modules such as weapons stations, troop carriers, medical, and even hydrogen power generator sets which offer up to 100kW of portable power. Additionally, a cab can be fitted for manned operation as a more traditional cargo vehicle.
Tags: General Motors, Hydrotec, TARDEC
“Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold.“
This is seriously badass. It’s as if Starship Troopers had a M274 Mule.
As a litter carrier for wounded this has some real potential, heck I could imagine a version of this placed in civilian hospital for patient transport within the hospital itself. Tactical tech like this placed in the civilian world is how this stuff gets refined and improved quickly and efficiently. I hope it does.
Why does an autonomous vehicle need headlights?
I don’t see any on this vehicle, but here are some reasons.
To mark it for other vehicles. Drivers are conditioned to see certain things on the road. Additionally, they can be used to illuminate areas for humans. Finally, the vehicle is optionally manned.