Quantum takes another stab at its silent Aggressor vehicle for the U.S. Army, making it into a JP-8 powered diesel hybrid.
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies (NASDAQ: QTWW) today announced it's been awarded a contract to develop a diesel hybrid electric version of an experimental fuel cell vehicle it previously designed for the U.S. military.
Quantum's Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) Aggressor is a light-duty off-road fuel cell hybrid vehicle developed for the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), National Automotive Center (NAC).
The new contract has a total value of $4.88 million.
The propulsion system for the new AMV is to focus on a JP-8 fuel-compatible diesel internal combustion engine based, battery dominant, series hybrid electric system.
Not quite admitting defeat for its previous fuel cell-based design, the company characterizes the new system as providing "a cost-effective, near-term solution as fuel cell technology matures."
A photo of Quantum's Aggressor >
Pre-production prototypes will be developed and built for testing and evaluation by selected commands to assess mission suitability, supportability, performance objectives, and guidance on final vehicle configuration.
"The vehicle's silent watch capability, high performance acceleration, extended range, and exportable power provide significant advantages for the U.S. Army in communications, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance missions. We believe that this vehicle and Quantum's innovative hybrid drivetrain will also be very well-suited for other commercial applications, including homeland security, border patrol, park service operations, and light-duty automobiles," said Alan Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum.
When running on batteries, the new Aggressor is to be just as silent as its predecessor, which is why the Army is interested in it.
Quantum is a leader in powertrain engineering, system integration and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories.
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Has any US vehicle manufacturer even known about the ZEBRA battery that is the lightest weight long distance option in the newly introduced TH!NK as of February 2008. It has twice the energy capacity per pound of the US provided LIon battery provided as an option, and more energy per weight than the other LIon battery offered. LIon batteries are supposed to be the leaders in enrgy density that car makers are saying they need to wait for until they can build electric or hybrid cars. Four million ought to be enough for a hundred mile Zebra battery Pack and a lightweight OPOC engine....hg...