An Electric Traction Platform for Military Vehicles

This paper shall present the design and development of a family of high power, high-speed transport and combat vehicles based on a common module. The system looks to maximize performance at both high-speed operation and low-speed, heavy/severe-duty operation. All-wheel drive/steer-by-wire autonomous traction modules provide the basis for the vehicle family. Each module can continuously develop 300-400 kW of power at the wheels and has nearly double peak capability, exploiting the flexibility of the electric traction system. The maximum starting tractive effort developed by one module can reach 10-15 tons, and the full rated power can be produced at speeds of 100 mph. This paper will present the design and layout of the autonomous modules. Details will be provided about the tandem electric axles, with electric differentials and independent steering. New innovations in power electronics and electric machines, providing high power operation and affordable production costs will also be discussed.

The paper also demonstrates concepts of how the traction module can provide the basis for a broad range of various purpose vehicles, ranging from road trains and/or tank carriers to high-speed (120 mph) attack vehicles.