Oshkosh Hybrid Truck The HEMTT A3
Oshkosh have produced an impressive Hybrid Truck and although this truck is focused on military applications, it is just as useful in humanitarian and e.g. U.N. aid programs.
The technology used is a precursor for what to expect in commercial heavy truck applications.
The HEMTT A3 (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) is according an Oshkosh press release the first production-ready, tactical military truck powered by an energy efficient diesel-electric drive system, called ProPulse®, that can increase fuel efficiency by 20 percent or more, depending on mission profile.
The HEMTT A3 is a heavy-payload, up to 13 tons, truck and is equipped with heavy-duty TAK-4® independent suspension that keeps the wheels on the ground, even in extremely rugged terrain, and combined with direct-drive, electrically driven wheels, can provide torque where it is most needed. The HEMTT A3 has height-adjustable suspension, which facilitates self-unloading of supplies.
Here you can clearly see the semi-active hydragas strut independent suspension system.
The truck has the ability to do double duty as a 200-kilowatt generator, has onboard diagnostics for simplified in-the-field troubleshooting and maintenance. Features a power pack - its engine/generator and charging system - that can be removed and replaced in30 minutes or less, greatly reducing down time and simplifying in-field maintenance of major components.
Oshkosh next-generation hybrid propulsion system ProPulse® provides several benefits for fleet performance:
The ProPulse system uses a unique, modular series-hybrid arrangement to simplify the transmission of power to the wheels. The diesel engine powers an electric generator, which provides direct power to the wheels, eliminating the torque converter, automatic transmission, transfer case and drive shafts. The system has no batteries, using ultracapacitors for energy storage instead. A regenerative braking function stores engine energy and then uses it to assist in the next braking operation, reducing wear and tear on the brake system.
This leading-edge technology is the first significant step toward the development of an entirely new generation of highly mobile and incredibly efficient defense trucks. Oshkosh focus is on enhancing performance characteristics while reducing the logistics footprint and making trucks more environmentally friendly
This article is based on promotional material from Oshkosh with more focus on the hybrid drive train than military matters.
© Kjartan Bergsson from Hybrid-Vehicle.org
