ST Engineering pushes forward on the hybrid propulsion path
At the 2022 edition of the Singapore Airshow that took place in February last year ST Engineering unveiled the NGLSV, for Next Generation Light Strike Vehicle, a 3.2 tonnes GVW platform with a 1 tonne payload, powered by a Cummins diesel engine coupled to a generator, the electric motor providing 200 kW of power.
Following in the steps of that development, the Singaporean defence industry champion is working on the NGPV, Next Generation Protected Vehicle, which will be unveiled next year at the same Show. However some information are being released, and EDR On-Line was given a briefing on the new vehicle during IDEX 2023.
The core of the new development is definitely the powerpack, the drive train being quite conventional as ST Engineering aims at proposing its hybrid powerpack also for upgrading existing fleets of vehicles, keeping therefore more advanced solutions such as hub drives for future developments.
Based on a standard diesel engine providing 296 hp and a 100 kW electric motor, according to ST Engineering the hybrid configuration should reduce fuel consumption between 15% and 25%, depending on mission profile. The two battery packs, located right and left at the rear of the vehicle, ensure a 24 hours silent watch capability as well as a 15 km silent drive in all-electric configuration. The NGPV will also be able to export 16 kW of power, sufficient to ensure the functioning of a small combat outpost. While the diesel only solution allows for a 600 km endurance with the 212 litres fuel tank, the hybrid powerpack extends it to around 780 km. The NGPV is capable reach 100 km/h, to cope with 60% gradient and 30% side slope, and overcome a 400 mm step climb, while fording a 900 mm deep waterway without preparation.
The structural monocoque hull ensures an all-round Level 3 protection, ballistic and anti-mine, the NGPV carrying up to 10 military including the two-man crew. Access and egress, according to available images, will be through the two side doors at the front and via the rear hydraulically operated ramp.
The gross vehicle weight will be of 20 tonnes, 5 tonnes being the payload, which allows for adding armour kits. The NGPV is 7.3 meters long, 2.6 meters wide and 2.7 meters high, with a 430 mm ground clearance and an 18 meters turning circle diameter.
It is fitted with a full digitised architecture and a full digital dashboard, situational awareness being enhanced by a top-down surround view system that eliminates dead ground at 3 to 5 meters distance, with digital side mirrors that eliminates blind spots, and a rear object detection system that “feels” obstacles up to 8 meters distance.
The base vehicle is offered with diesel propulsion, the hybrid solution being considered an optional as well as the 360 hp diesel engine. Among options we also find the Euro 5 exhaust system (standard is Euro 2), electrical winch, search light, etc. An Adder remotely controlled weapon station can be mounted on the roof.
The NGPV is currently undergoing mobility and other tests in Singapore.
Graphics courtesy ST Engineering
