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The XM1124 Hybrid Humvee  (Source: U.S. Army)
The U.S. Army outlines plans for XM1124 Humvee

The United States Army has selected a private contractor that will be responsible with developing a hybrid Humvee battery that will be used by the military in the United States and overseas.  Specifically, the company selected will be responsible for developing new batteries for the vehicles.

The Army will work with EnerDel, which is expected to work with the Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center for 18 months.  The company is expected to help develop four prototype power systems that could be used in the new XM1124 Humvee.

"This is an opportunity to showcase the true capabilities of the EnerDel technology in conditions that demand the highest levels of safety, performance and reliability, EnerDel President Rick Stanley said in a statement.  "In keeping with a long tradition, we also expect that innovations perfected here will have important benefits for the commercial markets."

The XM1124 Humvee has been in development for some time, with each branch of the U.S. military trying to go green.  Millions of dollars are spent each year to fuel aircraft, ships, tanks and other military vehicles -- President Obama and other government insiders have expressed interest in increasing development of biofuels and more fuel-efficient ability.

Compared to the current Humvee, the XM1124 has faster acceleration, a higher maximum speed, and is more fuel efficient.  It's unknown when it will be used in future troop deployments, but the Army is working with contractors to ensure the new hybrid vehicles have the necessary armor and features soldiers need.

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By civilgeek on 11/8/2009 5:25:14 PM , Rating: 3
Soldier: Where do I pluggin my HV in Afghanistan? General: Fire up the gas powered generator! /boggle




By Alexstarfire on 11/8/2009 5:38:42 PM , Rating: 5
Why are people so fucking stupid when it comes to hybrids? it's obviously not going to be a plug-in version as that'd just be fucking retarded for military use.


By Alexvrb on 11/8/2009 6:30:49 PM , Rating: 3
Some would argue that having a hybrid humvee for military deployment is a bad idea to begin with. Higher cost per unit and more complicated to repair on the field? That seems like an awesome idea. Also, I'm curious as to what kind of batteries they will end up using.


By GeorgeH on 11/8/2009 7:50:59 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Some would argue that having a hybrid [anything] for [any purpose whatsoever] is a bad idea to begin with [because it conflicts with their warped political worldview].

Fixed that for you.


By invidious on 11/9/2009 9:50:35 AM , Rating: 2
Thank you for informing us that your world view believes that his world view is incorrect.

I guess it is somehow less evil to profiteer the green movement than it is to profiteer the oil industry?

Open your eyes before you go on your judgement spree. Everything boils down to money whether you like it or not.


By Alexstarfire on 11/8/2009 9:41:43 PM , Rating: 1
This has value even if that is true. Though I don't know exactly how the design for this hybrid is going to be. I'm sure they are going to make it easier to repair than a normal car, but IDK for sure. They'd have to make most things easy to repair than their regular counterparts after all.


By Alexvrb on 11/9/2009 8:46:02 PM , Rating: 2
You do realize that in order to achieve better acceleration and top speed, this is going to be a full parallel hybrid (Prius, GM's dual mode hybrid trucks, etc). If you knew anything about such hybrids, you wouldn't jump to that conclusion. They're everything a non-hybrid vehicle is, and then a whole lot more. Look at the integration of the hybrid drive system with the transmission. I know a lot of shops that won't touch the transmission, electric motor, or battery pack on these. Best case scenario, a hybrid HV will be only somewhat more complicated to repair (preferably in a nice repair bay).

Guacamojo does make a good point, sort of. If the ICE failed you might be able to limp away on battery power alone at 20MPH for ten minutes. If they use a new all aluminum super fuel efficient engine then this could come in handy all the time for slowly limping away from incoming fire. Hurray!

Wait, what did we say a US soldier's life was worth? Screw it, switch em all to hybrids. Heck make em 50% lighter too, that ought to really save on gas.


By Ristogod on 11/9/2009 9:41:13 AM , Rating: 1
Indeed. The last thing you would want in a mission critical situation is unproven, overly complicated, and a more failure prone vehicle to depend on.

Then there's the cost. Why spend more money making a vehicle that costs more to do the same job. It's not like making it a hybrid actually brings any advantages. (other than the politically driven man-made global warming farce)


By mmcdonalataocdotgov on 11/9/2009 11:08:32 AM , Rating: 2
Why does everyone always forget about the strategic significance of oil? The less oil the US uses, the less dependent we are on foreign oil, and the less money we send to our enemies.


By guacamojo on 11/9/2009 3:34:25 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
It's not like making it a hybrid actually brings any advantages.

Unless it increases the range, top speed, and acceleration. The Army usually has to bring along its own fuel when it goes places. Reducing the logistical load is a worthy goal in and of itself.

quote:
The last thing you would want in a mission critical situation is unproven, overly complicated, and a more failure prone vehicle to depend on.

Obviously you have to have reliability and maintainability too. But a more complex weapon doesn't necessarily mean an inferior one. We have lots of weapons systems that would argue the opposite.

And who says they don't have redundancy? Failure of the hybrid system doesn't have to necessarily kill the Humvee. On the contrary, you could make them redundant power delivery systems, so that failure of the engine could be mitigated in an emergency by a still-working hybrid system.

I doubt that this is really being driven exclusively by "green" interests. This sounds to me like a military capability improvement.


By 0ldman on 11/9/2009 10:51:39 AM , Rating: 2
Not being as loud may be beneficial, however, I do agree.

In general, NASA and the military are behind the curve as computer tech goes as it has to be 100% reliable. New hybrid vehicles need to have redundancy built on top of redundancy.


By grath on 11/9/2009 12:24:14 AM , Rating: 2
You could plug up to a whole bunch of exercise bike generators pedaled by POWs


By corduroygt on 11/9/2009 8:32:30 AM , Rating: 2
I see many humvees used in and around military bases. Plug in capability shouldn't cost much to add since you're already paying the big bucks for the battery.


By grath on 11/9/2009 12:12:31 AM , Rating: 2
Newsflash: US invades Bolivia to secure lithium reserves in the face global battery shortage


By roykahn on 11/9/2009 1:16:12 AM , Rating: 3
No no no! It must be called a peace-keeping mission, or spreading democracy, or infiltrating terrorists. Basically, any old BS pretext that superpowers usually use when invading another country.


By Spuke on 11/9/2009 12:41:50 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Basically, any old BS pretext that superpowers usually use when invading another country.
Look, most Americans agree that Iraq was a sham. Only crazy people believe otherwise. But this these BS attacks need to stop. We don't just go invading countries for the hell of it. BS reasons for invading Iraq, the guy was an a$$hole plain and simple. It's not like we invaded Canada or France. Not the same thing. But don't worry, we are on our way to not becoming involved much in world affairs. Hell, the lead general in Afghanistan says we need to change tactics there (Afghanistan) or leave.

Other countries are already accusing us of protectionism. That's just the beginning. Seriously, most Americans are NOT in favor of being the "world's police". We prefer to mind our own business. Look at WW2, that's how we are. It took an attack on us to bring us in the war. I have no idea why our elected officials keep ignoring us on this issue but I truly believe a change is in order (thanks to Iraq).

I even support letting the Japanese go their own way but still remain their ally, of course. It would probably raise their taxes but we don't need to be providing defense for other sovereign nations unless they ask for it specifically like Kuwait did.

I predict in 10 years, we will be fully withdrawn from all foreign countries. I expect it to begin right after we pull out of Afghanistan. We're going to question our presence everywhere. Don't be surprised when it happens. I can't wait. It's time that everyone takes care of their own sh!t.


By Zingam on 11/9/2009 12:48:53 PM , Rating: 2
I don't think so and I'm not American.


By Spuke on 11/9/2009 1:30:28 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
I don't think so and I'm not American.
I am American. You have a Dem controlled Congress and president that wants to get out of Iraq AND Afghanistan. You have a General that says, change tactics or get out. You have troops that say it's ridiculous to be there given the corruption in their government. You have the American people that are burnt on Iraq and want out. You have accusations of protectionism by other countries. You have a military VOLUNTEERING to scale back or eliminate certain projects. Projects that have everything to do with large scale warfighting and power projection (don't need power projection when you're at home). Honestly, our military combined with the 350 million privately owned weapons and the natural barrier of two 3000 mile oceans is more than enough to defend ourselves from anyone.

No one advocates bailing on our allies. If you need help, we're there. But our active role will be diminished. No one wants it here. Talk to any American. Don't take my word for it.


Quiet
By FishTankX on 11/8/2009 5:07:21 PM , Rating: 5
Finally, a hybrid vehicle that nobody will complain about when it's completely silent in electric mode

Abu, do you hear that?
No I don't, whatever are you talking about?
That.. humvee over thsere... with an autocannon pointed at us. Run!
*dakka dakka dakka*




RE: Quiet
By meepstone on 11/8/2009 9:29:51 PM , Rating: 1
Wait, you have a problem with blind ppl crossing the road and might walk in front of a car with a silent engine???


RE: Quiet
By FishTankX on 11/9/2009 1:03:42 AM , Rating: 2
No.

I'm just saying that this is, at long last, an exploitation of this technology that will both help, and not endanger the lives of innocents.


RE: Quiet
By Azsen on 11/8/2009 9:33:44 PM , Rating: 3
lol. Is 'dakka dakka dakka' the sound of the machine gun or were you meaning 'dirka dirka dirka'?


RE: Quiet
By FishTankX on 11/9/2009 1:04:37 AM , Rating: 2
Dakka Dakka Dakka is a warhammer reference to the Orks onamatopeia for machine gun fire.


RE: Quiet
By John Silver on 11/9/2009 5:41:51 AM , Rating: 2
Like this SEP? Note, the video HAS a sound track:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&v=jTuOYReap2U

It's a hybrid with RPG and IED protection. You need that, you know.

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/sep/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obgAYvLI2Zw


Bad Idea
By zibby on 11/9/2009 8:29:46 AM , Rating: 2
Bad idea. Humvee as they are have lots of problems and their construction is very simple. keep it simple, and have less possible parts that could break down. Still Humvee's break down ( robber CV boots-CV joints, engine seize-up, electrical problems, et.)
now we gonna add this hybrid engine that need advanced computer to control it - LOL.
I spent over a year in Iraq, and our Humvee's spent more time in shop then on the road (even daily PMCS done)




RE: Bad Idea
By invidious on 11/9/2009 10:03:20 AM , Rating: 2
Dont worry they will probably make a few dozen of these and use them all state side to show people how green the military is.

They can even change there moto to "killing people not trees"


RE: Bad Idea
By Zingam on 11/9/2009 12:50:12 PM , Rating: 2
good one


Hopefully leads to viable commercial hybrid diesel
By Lord 666 on 11/8/2009 8:15:22 PM , Rating: 4
The best of both worlds would combine a diesel motor with stop/start capability with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is what this project will accomplish.




By stimudent on 11/9/2009 9:01:58 AM , Rating: 1
Once the technology is developed, I'm sure an oil company will come in and buy the patents putting an end to what it considers this alternative energy nonsense.


Military research often leads technology
By Murloc on 11/9/2009 7:26:17 AM , Rating: 2
They got lots of money and have no fear to spend it, in history many new things were discovered first in the military branch, then ported to the civilian use.

If you can't take so much fuel with you this might be useful, but if not then it's not (at least in the humvee case)




By Bruneauinfo on 11/9/2009 7:52:45 AM , Rating: 3
because improved acceleration and top speed are useless?


Risky Business
By tech329 on 11/9/2009 5:23:10 AM , Rating: 2
Near as I can tell HEV has been listed on the stock market since 2006. They have never reported a profit. Only losses. This is bleeding edge stuff so I hope the bet being made on behalf of taxpayers is a sound one. HEV has sunk big bucks into developing this technology. I'd much rather see government relying on companies which have a longer track record and at least some commercial success. Entry into the military contract space with the bar set too low has cost taxpayers dearly over the years. Just saying.




RE: Risky Business
By heulenwolf on 11/9/2009 10:03:12 AM , Rating: 2
I think that's the point. Military R&D is always risky business. Relying solely on companies with a long track record leads to having less capable, outdated equipment, not state of the art. Hummer was an unproven company when the US Army switched to Humvees in the 1980s. Now that those are proven with a long track record, they can choose to switch to the hybrid-electric units or not, depending on how the development goes.


funny
By Zingam on 11/9/2009 12:46:45 PM , Rating: 2
what a waste of money




RE: funny
By Omega215D on 11/9/2009 6:48:18 PM , Rating: 2
you know a lot of the things we have today are the result of military development. One good and played out example would be KRazy Glue, originally for and still used today to cover up wounds and help the healing process.

It may seem like a waste of money now but they might stumble upon something that'll be worthwhile.


army green ?
By DWwolf on 11/10/2009 5:31:43 AM , Rating: 2
If the US army was really worried about fuel consumption they would have finished the M1 turbine replacement program. 60's tech gasturbines are fuelhogs.




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