Military organizations are known for being fuel hungry as the equipment and transport systems they use needs plenty of fuel to operate. But, the United States is attempting to change its dependence on fossil fuels by using hybrid tanks. Developed by BAE Systems for the US Army, the hybrid electric tank will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than conventional ones that run on diesel.
BAE Systems has been working on the concept for over four years now and it only recently revealed renderings of its creation. Currently, an average soldier uses about 22 gallons of gas a day, putting a huge strain on the army. Since fuel isn’t exactly abundant anymore, there’s a need to come up with greener solutions.
The hybrid tank was conceived as part of the military’s Future Combat Systems program, which was cancelled by the US Army back in 2009. But, BAE has gone on to show us its renderings of the ground combat vehicle (GCV), which can accommodate 12 people. Weighing 70 tons, the tank, which uses a hybrid electric drive, will provide it with a longer operating time before it needs refueling. This is especially important if the vehicle is used in remote areas where fuel supply lines are not easily accessible.
BAE Systems is working in conjunction with Northrop Grumman in the hope that the Northrop Grumman GCV will one day pave the way for military vehicles to go green. According to BAE’s website, GCV’s are the next logical step the US Army will take in view of soaring oil prices. As it is, the US military has already begun using biofuel to operate some of its jets and has developed solar powered backpacks for its troops.
We have no other specs for the GCV at present so we’re just going to have to wait for BAE or Northrop to reveal more details.
Via: Autoblog
