MOD to trial hybrid technology on armoured vehicles

The contract - awarded through the Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) programme - will see hybrid systems fitted to the The Foxhound patrol vehicle - made by General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, and the Jackal 2 reconnaissance vehicle, which is produced by Devon-based company Supacat.

The so-called Technology Demonstrator 6 (TD6) project is being led by Coventry-based armour specialist NP Aerospace, and also involves UK electric drive specialist Magtec.

The application of hybrid-electric technology is expected to deliver a range of technical and operational enhancements including silent mobility; enhanced Silent Watch capabilities; Off-board electrical power; and increased onboard power for the insertion of the latest technologies. The introduction of hybrid technology will also ultimately reduce the army’s reliance on fossil fuels - a step towards the government’s 2050 net zero goal.

David Petheram, Chief Operating Officer, NP Aerospace, said: “The hybrid electric drive project is a significant development that will further extend the technical capabilities of the vehicles and is an important advancement in the incorporation of new technology. It will provide a greater understanding of what hybrid technology could achieve, whilst also looking to the future in terms of integrating additional sophisticated electronics across the PMETS vehicle fleet.”