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Archive for the ‘Mobility’ Category

Harnessing Hybrid Vehicles for Superior US Army Operations

Saturday, April 13th, 2024

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — In February 2024, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office demonstrated the operational advantages of hybridization to several distinguished guests. The demonstration centered on highlighting the vehicle’s impressive features, which include an extended silent watch, silent mobility, increased on-board power generation and off-board power export.

The RCCTO’s Tactical Hybrid Electric Vehicle program demonstrates the operational effectiveness and automotive performance of standard tactical vehicles while validating the operational benefits of hybridization. Integrating hybrid electric technology will enable the vehicles to operate silently at greater range and more available power for weapon systems and power grids on and off the vehicle. All of these remarkable features provide greater capabilities for our Soldiers.

“The work that the government team and the DoD contractors have completed is a game changer for the Soldiers in the field. We have added silent mobility capability, exportable power, and increased the vehicle range with batteries while reducing heat signature and sound,” said Michael E. Foster, Sr., Director of the Rapid Acquisition Prototyping Project Office within the RCCTO.

“Today’s demonstration underscores the importance of continuing to invest in and develop these technologies. By evaluating innovations, bridging gaps, and collaborating with industry, we strengthen our ability to provide the best tools and resources for our Soldiers, enhancing their safety and capabilities on the frontlines,” said Lt. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Jr., Director of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

The ongoing prototyping efforts for the Stryker and High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle continue to give Soldiers the opportunity to validate hybrid electric technologies in operational environments. These vehicles are being tested in real-world military settings to assess their performance and efficiency, ultimately shaping the future of hybrid electric vehicles in military applications.

By Venetia Gonzales

UBCO 2X2 Electric Motorcycle

Thursday, April 11th, 2024

The UBCO 2X2 electric motorcycle has caught the interest of the New Zealand Defence Force and several European militaries. It offers agile maneuverability, low maintenance, silent operation.

Made possible in conjunction TOAD – Innovation Digger.

These custom-made UBCO 2X2 bikes will be on display at EUROSATORY 2024 from June 17-21.

ubco.com

Airborne Troops Drop Test New Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles

Thursday, April 4th, 2024

FORT LIBERTY, North Carolina – Airborne logistics Soldiers here just completed airdrop testing of the Army’s newest Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.

Troops of the 151st Quartermaster Company, 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, put the vehicles through a series of Low Velocity Airdrop configurations.

The M1093A2 FMTV is a fleet of vehicles set to modernize the Army’s capabilities with its advanced design, compared to its aging predecessor, the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle.

Assistant Program Manager Mr. Tom McDaniels, U.S. Army Program Executive Office, Combat Support & Combat Service Support, emphasized the strategic importance of the M1093A2 FMTV.

“This Army program delivers an airdrop-capable vehicle that excels in multiple mission roles, offering protected, sustained, and networked mobility for personnel and payloads in a wide range of military operations,” he said.

The series of tests at Fort Liberty kicked off with comprehensive Operator’s Training (OT) and New Equipment Training (NET) delivered by expert trainers from Oshkosh, the vehicle manufacturer.

The training ensured the paratroopers were fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate and maintain the vehicle throughout the airborne testing phase.

Staff Sgt. Shahbaz Shakil Ahmed, a motor transport operator from the 151st Quartermaster Company, explained the rigorous testing process as the Soldiers demonstrated exceptional skill and precision by successfully rigging, airdropping, and recovering the FMTV, followed by thorough rigorous road tests to validate its operational readiness and full mission capability.

He said he was eager to transition to the new FMTVs, highlighting the significant improvements in survivability, payload capability, and his pride in contributing to the vehicle’s airdrop rigging development.

The testing agenda included low-velocity airdrops and subsequent road tests to assess the vehicle’s maximum load capacity, all critical steps towards achieving final airdrop certification from the Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Command.

Sgt. 1st Class. Dao Le, a project NCO with ABNSOTD’s Aerial Delivery Rigging Branch, said the testing process is meticulous.

“Every piece of equipment Soldiers use has been independently tested and evaluated to meet current and future Army needs and requirements,” he said.

Mr. Aaron Clark, a military test plans analyst with ABNSOTD involved in Low Velocity Airdrop FMTV testing, captured the essence of the effort.

“Operational testing is about Soldiers,” he said. “It’s about ensuring the systems we develop are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight.”

The airdrop missions were executed using U.S. Air Force C-17 and C-130 aircraft, which reflect a significant advancement in military logistics and capability, setting a new standard for operational excellence and readiness, according to Clark.

“Operational testing is OTC’s opportunity to contribute to readiness; anything less compromises the Army’s ability to provide the forces that fight and win the nation’s wars,” Clark added.

Mr. Bill Slaven, branch chief of ABNSOTD’s Test Division, shed light on integration of systems under examination into actual missions and training agendas of test units.

“Unit commanders get an early opportunity to evaluate new systems, potentially influencing modifications in operational tactics and military doctrine,” he said.

“The unique aspect of these tests is that they are led by the units themselves, ensuring a seamless melding of control within authentic operational environment scenarios.”

According to Maj. Joshua Cook, chief of the ABNSOTD’s Test Division, every piece of equipment Soldiers use has been independently tested and evaluated to meet current and future Army needs and requirements.

“We test and assess Army, Joint, and Multi-service airborne and airdrop-related warfighting systems in realistic operational environments by using Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable,” he said.

“The commitment to testing and assessing equipment aims to ascertain their effectiveness, suitability, and survivability.”

By Mr. James Cochran and Mr. Aaron Clark, Military Test Plans Analysts, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs

New Military Snowmobiles Launch from Polaris Government and Defense

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

Minneapolis – March, 2024 – Two new military snowmobiles are launching from Polaris Government and Defense: the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155, built off the industry-leading technology and ride-enhancing upgrades of the 2025 Polaris Snowmobile lineup. Warfighters worldwide rely on Polaris Government and Defense to provide off-road, light tactical vehicles for the most austere conditions. Polaris militarized snowmobiles, or over-snow reconnaissance vehicles (OSRVs), are a critical component of the off-road arsenal for winter warfare.

“Many expeditionary forces turn to Polaris for arctic mobility, and we are committed to providing vehicles that continue to meet the ever-changing needs of their missions,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “The all-new 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 snowmobiles are engineered with the input of our longstanding snowmobile customers. Working closely with the operators that specialize in arctic operations helps ensure these next-gen OSRVs meet the standards and requirements of today’s militaries while continuing to provide exceptional maneuver capability, utility and reliable operation during harsh winter operations.”

The 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 have several modifications for the military mission:

–        Blackout Mode – a single switch instantly turns off all lights for discreet operation

–        IR Light – infrared lighting provides visibility to operators while in blackout mode

–        White Body Panels – additional white on military snowmobiles provides camouflage

–        12V outlets – power or charge hand-held electronics and other mission essentials

–        Power Boosting Regulator – automatically provides maximum electrical power at idle and low RPMs to support the 12V outlet as well as any added accessories

–        Handlebar with Mountain Hoop – the added hoop provides better operator ride angle and control

Built on the proven Matryx platform with the quick accelerating 650 Patriot engine, the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 is the most capable widetrack in Polaris history. The two-person workhorse accommodates a passenger and another 125 lbs in the cargo area, as well as a hitch to tow a trailer and an additional 1200 lbs of mission-critical supplies. A powerful winch provides 1500 lbs of capacity for vehicle recovery or to move obstacles. With an all-new, patented BackTrak20 rear suspension, high-clearance independent front suspension and Trailbreaker skis, the TITAN can climb on top of the snow better than any previous model – in forward or reverse. This model also has an articulating rail, allowing the extra-long track to hinge upwards at the back, and a removeable rear snowflap for even greater mobility in reverse. The transmission has high and low gearing for controlled power distribution and added initial engine torque for heavy loads. A cooling system with radiator keeps the TITAN’s engine temp optimized during slow speed operation, while towing heavy loads and in low-snow conditions for more reliable operation and dependability.

The new 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 is a nimble, lightweight snowmobile engineered for superior maneuverability for patrol and reconnaissance. The extended track and tapered tunnel increase the snowmobile’s performance in deep snow while a full-length cooler provides better cooling and greater reliability in marginal snow conditions. High elevation clutch calibration provides optimal operation at increased altitudes for this model, while Velocity shocks provide adjustability for varying rider and kit weight and size for greater control and precise handling.

Both snowmobiles are also equipped with durable, Polaris two-stroke engines and electric start, while also supporting manual, pull-start in extreme cold. Weight reduction and ergonomic upgrades provide added control while the advanced suspension improves handling, enhanced capability and agility. Calibrated shocks and a proven suspension architecture absorb bumps in shifting terrain to add a level of comfort to the ride while a narrow cockpit provides greater control, stability and precise navigation. To increase stealth, these two military snowmobiles are designed to blend in to snowy, arctic environmental conditions. A keyless ignition also comes standard on military models to simplify fleet operation. Orders for these military snowmobiles are open now directly through Polaris Government and Defense with production and deliveries also scheduled for this year.

Providing 70 Years of Winter Mobility

In arctic and mountainous snow-covered environments, Polaris military snowmobiles and tactical vehicles allow operators to move further and faster. The experts in winter mobility, Polaris has been making innovative snowmobiles for seven decades. Today’s snowmobiles are delivered mission-ready to military customers with confidence that all modifications have been validated by Polaris engineers. The dedicated team at Polaris Government and Defense also provides training courses to maximize operator effectiveness and ability for these specialty platforms.

Polaris Government and Defense also provides arctic mobility through its MRZR Alpha light tactical all-terrain vehicle. The MRZR Alpha transitions to cold-weather environments and terrain with the addition of an Arctic Mobility Kit. A fully enclosed cab helps protect occupants from weather conditions and environmental elements while a track conversion kit replaces each wheel with a separate track assembly providing off-road, all-terrain maneuver capability over snow, soft soil and mixed terrain. The full cab and tracks expand the environments the MRZR Alpha can operate in and increase an already wide range of terrain for which it is well-suited.

Polaris’ commercially modified platforms are air transportable, highly capable and a force multiplier for every service in the United States military and more than 60 allied countries. In addition to military snowmobiles, Polaris Government and Defense provides tactical wheeled vehicles like the MRZR, DAGOR and MV850.

Tactical Lightweight – Flexible Integrated Collapsible Container System for the JLTV

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

The TL-FICCS (NSN: 8145-01-562-9283 & OSHKOSH PN: 4069288) from Pikes Peak Cargo Secure is designed to work seamlessly with Oshkosh Defense’s JLTV.

This System is designed to carry up to 1,800 lbs. of cargo over any terrain and is rated at 4,000 lbs. floor storage. Each Kit contains four pallets, two collapsible sleeves, and eight HUM VATTS Ratchet Straps (NSN 8145-01-522-8341).

Kit includes Tactical Lightweight – Flexible Integrated Collapsible Container System (TL-FICCS) 48x40x30 inches. The usable area within the container is 21 inches in height or 37 cubic feet. The kit contains 2 containers. The kit collapses to 48x40x12 inches. It is ideal for the Military, DHS, or FEMA for short or long term storage and outside storage under adverse conditions. This Kit is a Lightweight, Deployable, and Reusable Collapsible System. It is weather-resistant 100% plastic. Each container with straps weighs 57.5 lbs. The kit has a total weight of 115 lbs. It was designed for use with the Patented VATTS® Straps and is stackable inside a standard-sized MILVAN (15 Kits of 30 containers) filling a MILVAN with no blocking or bracing required. This container can be placed in most of the “Intermodal” Containers. This Kit can be Sling Loaded with the proper VATTS Straps applied.

Link to Class IX parts from Pikes Peak Cargo Secure.

Light Hybrid Vehicles in the Portfolio: Rheinmetall Acquires Dutch Startup REEQ

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Rheinmetall has acquired the Dutch startup REEQ, thereby expanding its vehicle portfolio to include innovative light hybrid vehicles. At the beginning of March 2024, the technology group’s Dutch subsidiary Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., which is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, acquired 100% of the shares in the Dutch start-up REEQ. Rheinmetall is thus expanding its portfolio of lightweight tactical vehicles and also taking the step towards hybrid technology with a fully electric drivetrain in a military vehicle. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

With its vehicles, REEQ has developed a new generation of mobility that combines tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid) and is fully prepared for autonomy. The technology was developed and is produced in the Netherlands.

Currently, REEQ’s vehicle portfolio consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad, all three with exactly the same fully electric drive train. Through the acquisition of REEQ, Rheinmetall is able to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid solution. Rheinmetall’s industrial strength and the innovative power of a start-up complement each other. Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and series production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands.

With this acquisition Rheinmetall is responding to the many calls from Dutch politicians and defense leaders to contribute with industrial strength and specialization to the operational user and strengthening of the defense industry. With the development and production from the Netherlands, the strategic autonomy and the Dutch position in the field of military electrification and autonomy in the international defense industry has also been strengthened.

Located in the city of Ede, Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. is part of the Vehicle Systems Division and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Rheinmetall AG is one of the world’s leading technology enterprises.

REEQ is a Dutch start-up and has been in existence since 2018. In that year REEQ carried out a first innovation project regarding electromobility in the military sector on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. In later years, REEQ has developed further in this field of experience.

Mack Defense Awarded Contract by U.S. Marine Corps to Develop Medium Tactical Truck (MTT)

Thursday, March 14th, 2024

ALLENTOWN, PA (March 12, 2024) – The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Mack Defense a 12-month contract for the initial development of a new Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) fleet. The new family of vehicles will replace the Marine Corp’s Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement fleet (MTVR), which includes cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply trucks supporting air-ground task force combat support missions.

The Marine Corps initial development requirements for the MTT fleet will focus on three cargo variants consisting of 10- 15- and 20-foot cargo bed configurations with hybrid-electric technology for reduced fuel consumption, extended range and reduced noise for silent watch capabilities. A 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile will be supported by a 60-inch fording capability to traverse through water up to five feet. The vehicles will feature a 10-kilowatt on-board power generator and will have the capacity to deliver 30-kilowatts of external power. Advanced driver safety and force protection systems will be key features.

“We were confident in our ability to meet the needs outlined by the U.S. Marine Corps,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “Being chosen for the initial development phase of this program confirms that the U.S. Marine Corps recognizes Mack Defense has the proven experience in developing tactical vehicle platforms that incorporate the latest system designs and technologies to meet the strict requirements outlined for the MTT.”

As part of the initial development phase, Mack Defense will provide a detailed engineering technical data package for three MTT cargo variants. Mack Defense will incorporate an open systems architecture, ensuring the U.S. Marine Corps can integrate future technological advancements into the next generation of medium tactical vehicles.

“Mack Defense is uniquely positioned to design the MTT variants incorporating the latest hybrid propulsion technologies to achieve significant fuel consumption reduction,” said Brent Cring, director of engineering at Mack Defense. “Advanced driver safety systems provide military-grade mobility and ensure the safety of deployed Marines worldwide.”

Mack Defense is currently in the testing phase of another significant defense program. Recently, three Common Tactical Truck (CTT) prototype vehicles, based on the commercially available Mack® Granite® model, were delivered to the U.S. Army for testing and soldier evaluations. The vehicles will be evaluated to determine final requirements to modernize and replace the Army’s fleet of 35,000 heavy tactical trucks. The MTT program leverages technology developed for the CTT program including hybrid technology, active safety, open-systems architecture, and military grade mobility.

Alcon Celebrates 15 Years of Dedicated Defence Braking Success

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

Alcon Components Ltd, the highly acclaimed UK-based brake and clutch company, is celebrating the key milestone of 15 years since supplying their first fully designed for Defence caliper. The company has deep roots in the highest echelons of motorsport and performance automotive that have been extended, over time, to include multiple other specialist sectors. As well as a considerable 25(+) years in defence and
security, Alcon has also effectively diversified into aerospace ground support, agriculture, mining, emergency services, leisure off-road, light commercial, off-highway and electric vehicles.

Having been supplying heavy duty brake kits for armoured vehicles to companies such as Jankel and Jaguar Land Rover since the 1990’s, the very first bespoke Alcon defence project was an iron caliper solution for Ricardo started in August 2008. Alcon were asked to provide prototype calipers for a modified RWMIK Land Rover that was going to be demonstrated to the UK MoD that October. Alcon designed, manufactured, and
tested a six-piston aluminium billet caliper within six weeks that was used on the demonstrator vehicle. They received an order for production components in November 2008, which allowed the company to tool up for their first production iron caliper, delivered in early 2009.

This project was shortly followed by an order from Supacat to improve the Jackal braking system that had become overmatched by the addition of heavy armour systems, to meet increasing threats in Afghanistan. This project included iron calipers, braking discs, and friction pads. The iron caliper range is now firmly embedded into the Alcon offering across multiple applications, alongside their aluminium high performance and motorsport ranges.

Alcon’s journey into the defence and security sector has been split across three different strategic approaches: off-the-shelf kits for companies armouring SUVs; bespoke braking solutions for OEMs; and the
supply of braking solutions to established axle manufacturers who sell into defence and the off-highway vehicle markets (amongst others). Across all three areas, Alcon’s defence and security business has grown 500% in the last 2 0 years and their specialist vehicle division now delivers around 20% of Alcon’s total annual revenue, on average.

Since the first bespoke Defence project was delivered in 2008, Alcon’s defence and security customer base has grown steadily to include over 15 defence vehicle OEM’s with bespoke Alcon braking solutions including BAE, QinetiQ, Patria and Supacat. On the kit side, Alcon has sold off-the-shelf kits to over 50 armouring companies including JLR, Babcock, Jankel, UTAC and many others, for vehicles including Toyota, Ford,
General Motors, Jeep, Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Chrysler (Dodge/RAM) and Skoda. Axle customers have included AxleTech, BASE, SISU and PRM Newage with the heaviest single caliper having been designed for AxleTech (now Cummins) weighing 27kg each. Vehicle weights range from 1,500kg to 60,000kg and applications range from heavily armoured tracked vehicles to lightweight side-by-side ATVs plus, everything in between.

Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “Working in defence and security makes us
exceedingly proud as we know that the improvements in performance and safety that our braking systems deliver, help to save the lives of those operating in dangerous and harsh environments with militaries and NGO’s. In the last 25(+) years, we’ve worked with over 80 different defence and security customers and in that time, we’ve manufactured and delivered tens of thousands of brake components for this sector.

The transition from aluminium to iron calipers in 2008 was a pivotal move for us as it has since opened up wide-ranging opportunities in specialist areas other than defence”. He added: “We’ve absolutely proven ourselves to be the place to come to for bespoke or off-the-shelf braking solutions that increase performance, reduce weight, improve safety, and reduce through-life costs. Today’s celebration of success is a proud moment for me and for the entire team. I thank all our defence and security customers for trusting in us and we look forward to continuing to deliver our ongoing growth plans in this important marketplace”.