Next-generation combat vehicles a step closer

Land September 16, 2016

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced a $2.7 million investment in QinetiQ’s electric hub-drive technology, bringing a new era of combat vehicles a step closer.

As part of an electric propulsion system, QinetiQ’s hub-drive replaces multiple gearboxes, differentials and drive shafts with compact and extremely high-powered electric motors contained completely within the wheels. This approach dramatically reduces overall platform weight and opens up new design possibilities that improve safety and increase performance for military and civilian vehicles.

In addition to creating possibilities for pioneering future designs, the technology has the potential to enhance present-day military vehicles. For example, an existing multiple-wheeled infantry vehicle retrofitted with the hub-drive system could exploit the extra power and agility that comes with reduced weight, or use the saving to offset extra armour, equipment or personnel.

The QinetiQ team is also looking at opportunities to introduce similar hub-drive systems into commercial sectors such as transport, agriculture, mining and construction.

Dr David Moore, Director of Research Services at QinetiQ, said: “Conventional drive systems are heavy, place constraints on the use of space, and consist of components that can turn into lethal projectiles in the event of an explosion beneath the vehicle. Moving the drive system to within the wheels removes this threat and disrupts the trend of vehicles becoming heavier and less mobile due to increasing protection and weaponry.”

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combat vehicles DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Director of Research Services Dr David Moore electric hub-drive technology investment QinetiQ UK US