Today's Focus:
The Emergence of Hybrid Drive Combat Vehicles
SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING
"You have performed brilliantly in every mission that has been given to you. You've kept your eyes focused on just doing your job. You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country."
- President Obama, thanking the troops for their service and personal sacrifice "under enormous strain ... through controversy and difficulty and politics."
Obama praises troops during surprise visit to Iraq
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Year of the Noncommissioned Officer
"To be able to mentor and train Soldiers and to go through the things that I have over the years, that is what is most important to me and stands out the most."
- Staff Sgt. James Phillips, 598th Transportation Group, at a competition which amplified the main pillars of the Year of the NCO: education, fitness, leadership and pride in service
Transportation Soldiers compete to be named NCO of the Year
TODAY'S FOCUS
The Emergence of Hybrid Drive Combat Vehicles
What is it?
The Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program has developed a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system for the Army's next generation of combat vehicles-the Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) program. This unique hybrid electric system, now integrated into a prototype MGV, powers and propels the FCS fleet of eight MGV and highlights the Army's commitment to invest in emerging alternative energy technology during this changing strategic and economic environment. Today, this robust hybrid propulsion system is in testing as part of the first MGV, the Non Line of Sight Cannon (NLOS-C).
What has the Army done?
Starting in the 1990s, the Army's science and technology community began partnerships with industry's leading alternative military and automotive energy innovators to develop a hybrid energy system robust enough for military combat vehicles, but still allowing for technology transfer with the commercial sector. The MGV hybrid propulsion system emerged from this effort.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The NLOS-C prototype vehicle has recently completed more than 400 miles of rigorous road testing using this hybrid propulsion system. Additional simulated and actual road testing will continue on the hybrid system prior to the prototype of more MGV variants, which share this hybrid system, in the 2011 timeframe. This advanced testing allows for risk mitigation, giving industry and Army engineers more time to mature and perfect the technology. Army scientists are also working with America's leading automotive and lithium-ion battery producers in an effort to reduce MGV battery size, while increasing power output. FCS MGVs are set for full production beginning in 2015.
Why is it important to the Army?
With partnerships with more than 200 leading alternative energy companies, the Army has been at the forefront for advanced vehicle alternative energy research and development. Those efforts have now paid off with a working hybrid propulsion system in the FCS MGV program.
The hybrid system will allow for considerable fuel economy savings in the MGV fleet and has allowed designers greater flexibility in engineering the vehicles. This has left more space for mission module components and crew member survivability features. To prepare for the future, MGVs are designed to be refitted if major advancements in other alternative energy technologies, such as fuel cells, mature in the future.
Resources:
Future Combat System Web site
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
- Early Bird News Site
- Information Papers with "2008 Army Posture Statement"
- Stories of Valor
- Army Public Affairs Portal
- Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace
- 2008 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2008 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates
CALENDAR
2009: Year of the NCO
2009: Year of the Military Family
2009: 100th Anniversary of the Chaplain Assistant
April 2009:
- Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
- Month of the Military Child
April 22, 2009: Earth Day
STAND-TO! NEWS
ABOUT THE ARMY
- Army chief of staff visits Fort Lewis Soldiers (KN)
- Gates: Cutting FCS was tough (AT)
- See related article under World: Army unveils diversity policy at West Point conference (ARMY.MIL)
- Commentary: What does sexual assault cost? (ARMY.MIL)
- Media again covers return of a slain hero (AT)
- XVIII Airborne Corps wraps up longest deployment in unit history (ARMY.MIL)
OVERSEAS OPERATIONS
- Troops welcome Obama in Iraq (BG)
- Obama, in a visit to Iraq, stresses transition of control (LAT)
- Obama cautions Iraqis on future (WP)
- Trust is issue, Pakistan tells U.S. (NYT)
- Pakistan asks U.S. for 30 billion dollar 'Marshall Plan' to stabilize region (WT)
- Fewer airstrikes in Afghanistan mirrors tactical shift (USA)
OF INTEREST
- Interview: Secretary of Defense Gates defends new budget priorities (PBS)
- Defense budget could be hard sell (PI)
- Fight over F-22's future to test defense overhaul (WSJ)
- As piracy surges, U.S. warns of dangers off Somali coast (CNN)
- Family seeks criminal probe of funeral home (AT)
- 'Reach Out and Read' now reaches military families (ARMY.MIL)
WORLD VIEW
- Sikhs demand right to wear turban in U.S. Army (TOI)
- U.S. envoy to meet India officials (AJ)
- President Asif Ali Zardari replies to questions from The Independent (IND)
- U.S. defense chief sees al Qaeda "last gasp" in Iraq (Reut)
- North Korea threatens 'strong steps' over UN reaction to rocket launch (LDT)
- Somali pirates seize ship and U.S. crew off Horn of Africa (GRD)
- First picture of North Korean rocket – but no sign of satellite (TO)
External Links Disclaimer - The appearance of hyperlinks to external sites does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the U.S. Army of the linked web site or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of the U.S. Army does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD web site.
SOCIAL NETWORKING