Hybrid systems will give army vehicles a stealthy approach

Army vehicles will receive stealthy and sustainable upgrades following a £3m investment from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Hybrid and electric drive systems will be tested on Foxhound and Jackal 2 vehicles. The MoD hopes the systems will provide potential military advantages by reducing noise from the vehicles.

Electric systems will also provide power off-board, while increased onboard power will allow the vehicles to operate new technologies.

Coventry firm NP Aerospace will develop the hybrid electric drive system in collaboration with General Dynamics UK, Supacat and Magtec, creating prototypes of the Foxhound and Jackal 2 vehicles to test the new technology.

An MoD announcement said the hybrid technology will also help reduce the army’s reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the government’s 2050 ‘net-zero’ target.

“This goes to show how seriously we are incorporating sustainability into our operations, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of military innovation,” said lieutenant general Richard Nugee.

The initial stages of the project are expected to be demonstrated at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics 20 (DVD20) event in November.

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