Military

The British Ministry of Defense is promoting the electrification of military vehicles

2024-04-01   

According to the US Defense News website, the UK Department of Defense announced on March 22 that it is collaborating with the UK Formula One team McLaren to upgrade several defense projects and promote the development of hybrid or all electric vehicles. UK Defense Secretary Sharps stated in a press release that under the cooperation arrangement between the two sides, the McLaren team will use the professional knowledge obtained from the racing track for defense projects. Through collaboration with the industry, the UK Department of Defense will continue to drive innovation through knowledge sharing. McLaren Racing Co Chief Business Officer Dennington stated that cooperation with the Ministry of Defense provides opportunities to expand and apply the team's innovative capabilities and technological knowledge, which can help improve the efficiency of fleet operations. After establishing the partnership, the McLaren team and the UK Department of Defense showcased their latest products at the Defense Innovation Center's "Battlefield Laboratory" in Dorset, UK. The McLaren team showcased their fully electric off-road sports car NEOM McLaren Extreme E, while the UK Ministry of Defense showcased its hybrid dog off-road vehicle. The off-road vehicle of the "mixed breed dog" project is modified by Babcock International Group. According to the contract signed with the UK Ministry of Defence, the group will convert four active Land Rover off-road vehicles from diesel to electric power in order to gain data and experience in the military application of electric vehicles. These four Land Rover off-road vehicles are equipped with plug-in kits and improved battery systems, and the UK Ministry of Defense has conducted performance tests on them in steep terrain, water wading, and different climate conditions. According to information released by Babcock International Group, the modified electric Land Rover off-road vehicle has achieved good results in reducing driver fatigue, reducing thermal and acoustic characteristics, as well as providing power to other equipment and reducing movable mechanical components. The Land Rover off-road vehicle powered by diesel has 400 movable mechanical components, but after retrofitting with electric power, there are only about 20 movable components. Chris Spacer, General Manager of Engineering and Systems Integration - Land at Babcock International Group, said that winning the contract from the UK Department of Defense is a good opportunity to research alternative engine technologies that will extend the lifespan of the UK Army's Land Rover off-road vehicles. He stated that diesel engines are outdated and they will bring the performance of electric vehicles to the level of diesel power. Among the Land Rover off-road vehicles equipped by the British Army, the shortest service life is also about 25 years, using a 300Tdi diesel engine. Personnel from the Armor Testing and Development Department of the UK Ministry of Defense stated that the department supports the Ministry of Defense in fully understanding the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicle technology through the "hybrid dog" project, providing a basis for the Ministry of Defense's future strategic planning. According to a 15 year plan developed by the UK Army in 2022, by 2035, the majority of its vehicles will be hybrid or fully electric. The UK Ministry of Defense is collaborating with the McLaren fleet to fully leverage their advantages in the development of scalable electrical products. The team has developed a series of electric sports cars and accumulated rich experience in electric vehicles. In addition, establishing a cooperative relationship between the two sides will also attract more talents in the fields of technology, engineering, and mathematics to enter the military field. However, can electric vehicles adapt to complex and demanding environments

Edit:Luo yu Responsible editor:Wang er dong

Source:China national defense daily

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