BAE Systems has demonstrated the first hybrid army vehicle as part of the US Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) programme.
The FSC Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV) family of eight vehicles is the first ever planned operational army suite of ground combat vehicles to use hybrid electric power.
The non-line-of-sight cannon, the lead FSC ground combat vehicle, will be the first to receive the technology.
Production is planned to begin in 2008.
BAE vice president of FCS Hugo Croft says the hybrid system will improve fuel economy and reduce the Army's carbon footprint.
"The system's advanced energy storage, electric traction drive, power generation, regenerative braking and integrated power management technology all serve to provide our war fighter's increased performance and unprecedented flexibility," Croft says.
The electric drive system is a joint development with General Dynamics Land Systems, Boeing, Science Applications International and the US Army.
Reported by Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh
