Powering AHED

In-Depth

Defence Group General Dynamics has unveiled the trackless, hybrid-electric armoured vehicle that it hopes will form the basis of the UK’s future land combat fleet.

The Advanced Hybrid-Electric Drive (AHED) 8x8 is an eightwheeled vehicle that combines a powerful Mercedes diesel engine with a high-specification lithium ion battery. The vehicle was developed in the US by General Dynamics and forms the core of the group’s bid to be selected for the MoD’s Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) programme.

AHED is designed to be modular so that different add-on systems can be plugged in quickly and easily depending on specific missions. The chassis is intended to form the basis of a wider family of future land vehicles, said General Dynamics.

The hybrid-electric drive means that AHED can function in three different drive modes, while the diesel engine allows it to accelerate from 0–30 in under five seconds. It can also switch to battery only, allowing it to move quietly for stealth operations and silent reconnaissance.

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