Army Evaluates Hybrid Tactical Vehicle in Europe
The U.S. Army is currently assessing a prototype hybrid-electric tactical vehicle in Germany, testing its capabilities in snowy conditions. This evaluation is part of the Transformation in Contact initiative, which allows soldiers to test new technologies in real-world scenarios.
The prototype, designated the Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H), is developed by GM Defense. It’s a diesel-powered, electric light reconnaissance vehicle. The Army is testing the vehicle with the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division during Combined Resolve, a recurring exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels.
The NGTV-H combines a Chevy Silverado truck with the Duramax engine used in the Infantry Squad Vehicle and an electric battery. This battery can produce about 300 kilowatt hours of power and is paired with a 15-gallon fuel tank. The design allows for silent operation. The driver can switch between a standard engine mode and a “silent mode” to power systems without the engine idling, which is useful for stealth operations.
The hybrid technology addresses the increasing need for electrical power on the battlefield. This transition is from carrying a minimal amount of batteries to significant stores of power. Reducing the demand for batteries is helpful to soldiers in the field.
The NGTV-H presents several advantages, including its transportability in C-130 and C-17 aircraft and its ability to be carried by helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook and MH-53 King Stallion. Army leadership has shown interest in hybrid-electric technology because of the operational advantages it brings to the battlefield. Evaluations such as the one in Europe could accelerate the adoption of such capabilities.
This testing phase comes as the war in Ukraine underscores the demand for quieter vehicles. The NGTV-H allows for silent operations, providing a critical advantage in modern conflicts.
The Army is taking its time to replace the Humvee. Although the newer Joint Light Tactical Vehicles are in use, The Army wants to keep a smaller vehicle like the Humvee in its inventory.
