DETROIT ARSENAL US Army Base, Warren, Michigan (April 26, 2012) - The Army unveiled its latest concept car this week, designed to not only significantly improve fuel economy, but also be able to generate and power soldiers in harsh environments like like Afghanistan.
Following the inauguration of the DETROIT ARSENAL-based high-tech weapons laboratory last week, an economical technology demonstrator vehicle (Bravo version or FED-Fuel Efficient Demonstrator Bravo) was unveiled to the public. This presentation took place on April 24-26 at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2012 World Congress. The concept version of the Alpha fuel-efficient car was unveiled to the public last fall, but it did not have the ability to power external consumers like the Bravo version.
When a low-cost technology demonstrator car is connected to the grid, officials say it is able to provide electricity to advanced operating bases and other small military outposts, which significantly reduces the required base capacity and helps soldiers to be more efficient.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Army worked with college students in Detroit to develop the concept of an automobile through the College for Creative Studies (CCS) joint program. The program is a successful and highly regarded trio of auto giants Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. Thus, the economical Bravo technology demonstrator vehicle was developed by a group of 18 students on the Army's technical assignment and is designed to meet the army's specific needs for fuel economy, performance characteristics, protection, payload and interior layout.
The economical Bravo technology demonstrator vehicle was funded by the Department of Defense and was developed by engineers from the Armored Research Center in Warren, Michigan, as well as their industrial partners World Technical Services Inc.
The TARDEC Armored Research Center was widely represented at the World Congress Automobile Show. In addition to bringing this year's Bravo demonstrator to the public, it also showed off a small TM3 Microgrid system that could supply electricity from vehicles.
The Bravo Demonstrator is based on a Ford sports car with a 4.4-liter V8 turbo diesel engine capable of producing 268 hp. Other characteristics include the following:
• Road-linked parallel hybrid drive system. The front axle is driven by an electric motor, while the rear wheels are connected to a hybrid fuel and electric system.
• Integrated starter-generator, which turns off the engine when stationary and starts it when the driver presses the accelerator, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions.
• Six-speed automatic transmission combined with an advanced lithium-ion battery with high energy and power density.
• Powerful hydraulic anti-lock braking system combined with hydraulically assisted steering.
• Ceramic brake discs with advanced coating for improved wear resistance.
• Tubular chassis for greater rigidity with minimum weight in combination with armored cab and V-shaped hull for explosion protection.
