DETROIT ? The U.S. Army?s National Automotive Center Monday at the 2005 SAE World Congress rolled out a hybrid light duty vehicle ? for homeland defense, military and commercial missions ? that the Army says will reduce costs by using the same non-automotive components.

The MP Hybrid diesel-electric vehicle is developed in conjunction with Quantum Fuel System Technologies Worldwide and California Motors. The MP Hybrid is designed for non-tactical applications at medium speeds. It will feature a removable 5 kW Auxiliary Power Unit designed by Advanced Propulsion Technologies and will be able to add-on ballistic lightweight armor package designed by Klune Industries.

The civilian version uses a lower-cost, high-performance diesel engine. It is aimed at campus operations, airport surveillance and other off-highway activities.

“The MP Hybrid enhances the capabilities of U.S. Government vehicle fleets by providing a low-cost alternative for traditionally non-tactical operations,” said Dennis J. Wend, executive director of the NAC. “Working with Quantum Technologies and California Motors, we’ve developed a technically-advanced dual use vehicle platform that will improve the effectiveness of agencies engaged in patrol and routine tasks as well as counter-terrorism and interdiction operations along U.S. borders.”

The MP Hybrids seat four full-sized adults, and include an additional 500 lb. payload cargo capacity for backpacks, toolboxes and other light duty hauling. The four-wheel drive military variant includes a series hybrid diesel/electric powertrain, removable 5 kW APU and two 10 hp (7.5 kW) electric motors. Front and rear drivetrains are completely independent, and managed through an on-board vehicle control system. The civilian variant is also four-wheel drive, includes a parallel hybrid diesel/electric powertrain, one 10 hp electric motor, one 18 hp diesel engine and on-board 110 volt AC outlets for pulling up to 5 kW power. The modular vehicle includes many enhanced maintainability features such as unencumbered access to the engine, electric motor, drivetrain, suspension and wheel area. Other maintainability attributes include similar front and rear suspension and wheel subassemblies, as well as the use of other common components where possible.

Additional advanced technology objectives for the MP Hybrid include:

Primary Vehicle Power: The platform demonstrates a core objective of

reducing fuel consumption when compared to current military vehicles

with the same payload capability by utilizing hybrid electric/combustion

technology.

Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM): Through

simultaneous and/or concurrent engineering, the vehicle platform

demonstrates concepts that show how a combination of easy maintenance

(operator level) coupled with ultra reliable components will result in

excellent RAM characteristics.

Mobility: The vehicles provide a more suitable platform than other light

duty vehicles for Military Police patrols, base operations, routine

personnel transport and remote power generation and supply.

Maintenance: The vehicles allow for easy access to all drivetrain

components, and diminish the use of tools. This allows the operator to

complete routine tasks with minimal effort (30 minutes or less). Future

versions of the MP Hybrid will include pit-stop maintenance.

Survivability: The military variant is easily modified with an

interchangeable ballistic body kit.

TARDEC’s National Automotive Center works with commercial industry, academia and government to develop dual-use automotive technologies that meet the needs of both defense and commercial industries.