2002-01-3052 Will Hybrid Electric Propulsion Drive the Future Combat Systems? William G. Harris and Dean L. Ventimeglia National Automotive Center, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command ABSTRACT Hybrid Electric (HE) Propulsion will be part of the Army’s Transformation, not because it’s easy but because it makes FCS a threat to The Threat. A successful integration of an HE Propulsion system provides significant advantages in individual vehicle performance and potential. It will provide a ground force significant advantages by reducing its logistic footprint. However, a successful integration of an HE Propulsion system must overcome significant technology challenges, particularly in energy storage and energy conversion. The U.S. Army is addressing these challenges through numerous technology developments and evaluation programs. INTRODUCTION Hybrid electric propulsion will be the next technological advantage that American soldiers benefit from on the battlefield. We must recognize that there are challenges that must be met before technology demonstrations reach production configurations. In this instance, the U.S. Army will devote the necessary resources and talent to address the challenges because of the extent of tactical and strategic advantages inherent to hybrid electric propulsion systems. Tactically, a military vehicle having a hybrid electric propulsion system will significantly increase its range (conservatively by 30-35%), acceleration, and dash speed. On-board power generation supports use of directed energy weapons, electro-thermal and electro-magnetic guns, and powered armors. These factors enhances both lethality and survivability. Strategically, military vehicles having an hybrid electric propulsion systems will significantly reduce the logistic support required for a ground force. Reduced individual vehicle fuel consumption for a battlefield day translates to a reduction in the quantity of fuel that must be delivered to the force daily. In addition, the ground force can reduce the number of fuel tankers organic to the unit, reassign the personnel normally driving and supporting these fuel tankers, and even realize a reduction in the maintenance and logistic burden for the force as a whole. Another benefit to having on-board power generation is the reduction in generator sets required to support the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) electronic equipment. This benefit multiplies when you consider the reduction in the number of trailers required to transport generator sets. Insertion of a ground force using air transport and placing a premium on reducing the number of sorties required to accomplish the insertion is a final consideration in using HE Propulsion. Any reduction in the number of vehicles, trailers, containers or personnel is a significant advantage. Any reduction in the quantity of fuel, oil, lubricants, water, ammunition, rations or spare tires speeds the initial deployment and simplifies the support task. The advantages of hybrid electric propulsion must be considered in the long term, not justthe immediate increase in automotive performance in the short term. 'RIVEN BY TECHNOLOGY  In the adaptation of a hybrid electric propulsion system to a military ground vehicles, success will depend on correctly identifying critical challenges, developing probable solutions, and testing for feasibility. Fortunately, this technology has been developing since the beginning of the 20 th century. For example, consider Figure 1. )LJXUHDownloaded from SAE International by University of Liverpool, Monday, September 10, 2018The gentleman behind the wheel is Dr. Porsche, the man responsible for the high-performance sports cars. He is driving a car having a conventional internal combustion engine driving an electric generator, charging a battery pack (within the frame of the vehicle), and, in turn, powering in-hub wheel drive motors. The date was 1900. The te