Automotive supplier EnerDel announced today it won a $1.29 million contract from the United States Army for the development and manufacturing of a new battery system for the hybrid version of the HMMWV (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," Rick Stanley, EnerDel president said in a release. "In keeping with a long tradition, we also expect that innovations perfected here will have important benefits for the commercial markets."
EnerDel will work on the development of the new battery for the next 18 months, together with the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). The result of their research will be implemented on the XM1124 version of the Humvee.
The XM1124, already faster and more fuel efficient than the conventional M1113 will also be capable, thanks to the new battery, of functioning as a portable power plant to power a mobile command post or field hospital.
The battery itself, will include an all-electric "silent watch" capability, meaning electronics and the motor can function without the use of the Humvee's diesel generator. This capability will prove ideal in reducing noise and thermal signatures.
EnerDel says the results of the joint research will be used for two different applications. By the end of the 18 months, the company should have produced four custom-built power systems which will eventually be subject to "extreme performance simulations."
"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," Rick Stanley, EnerDel president said in a release. "In keeping with a long tradition, we also expect that innovations perfected here will have important benefits for the commercial markets."
EnerDel will work on the development of the new battery for the next 18 months, together with the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). The result of their research will be implemented on the XM1124 version of the Humvee.
The XM1124, already faster and more fuel efficient than the conventional M1113 will also be capable, thanks to the new battery, of functioning as a portable power plant to power a mobile command post or field hospital.
The battery itself, will include an all-electric "silent watch" capability, meaning electronics and the motor can function without the use of the Humvee's diesel generator. This capability will prove ideal in reducing noise and thermal signatures.
EnerDel says the results of the joint research will be used for two different applications. By the end of the 18 months, the company should have produced four custom-built power systems which will eventually be subject to "extreme performance simulations."