A hybrid Light Strike Vehicle from ST Engineering
Beside the mock-up of the Terrex 2 8×8 in the mothership configuration, which in perspective might become a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle, a prototype is ready to start trials at ST Engineering facilities, the Singaporean defence champion also exhibited at the Singapore Airshow a much smaller vehicle, also based on hybrid propulsion.
The XUV is an experimental vehicle that seems based on the Spider New Generation Light Strike Vehicle. With a 3.2 tonnes GVW vehicle and a 1 tonne payload, the XUV can carry up to 5 operators, depending on the configuration adopted. It is 4.6 meters long, 2.1 meters wide and 1.9 meters high, and has a turning radius of 7 meters. A typical vehicle aimed at Special Forces, it has no armoured protection, its powerpack is made of a Cummins diesel engine located at the rear which coupled to a generator provides the needed electric power to the electric machine and to the battery management system, provided by an undisclosed South Korean company, the axles being linked to the electric motor via the transmission.
The electric motor provides 200 kW of power, and a high torque of 2,240 NM, an impressive figure also considering that electric motors tend to have a constant torque. And this can be seen in the data provided by the company in terms of acceleration: on road, the XUV reaches 50 km/h in 5.5 seconds and 100 km/h in 13 seconds, maximum speed being 120 km/h on road and 80 km/h off road, the vehicle being fitted with a customised suspension system that, according to ST Engineering, enables a smooth riding over rough terrain. The extremely low centre of gravity gives the XUV the ability to move on a 60% side slope, while it is also able to climb a 60% gradient. Front wheels are pretty close to the bumper, which allows a 60° approach angle, the departure angle being 40°.
The XUV hybrid propulsion allows some fuel saving: when operating in Optimum Drive mode the range is extended over 500 km. Of course the vehicle can also run in electric-only mode, the power being provided by the two battery packs located under the floor, right and left. In this mode the XUV can travel for around 20 km, minimising acoustic and thermal signature. The hybrid powerpack also provides 8 kW of export power, while the battery packs ensure a good silent watch capacity with the engine shut off.
Photos courtesy J. Roukoz
