MORE FIGHT FOR LESS FUEL

Ricardo has completed the build of the FED ALPHA vehicle as part of the Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (FED) programme for the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) – the company has been awarded a contract for the testing phase, which is currently underway. The vehicle is displayed at the 2011 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington on October 10-12.

The goal of the FED programme, launched in late 2008, is to improve military vehicle technology, reduce fuel consumption on the battlefield and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil. Ricardo has applied its expertise in the design, development and manufacturing of special vehicles, and advanced automotive technology to create a demonstration vehicle that maximizes fuel economy while maintaining the capability and performance of light tactical wheeled vehicles.

The FED ALPHA includes numerous fuel-saving features, including: a specially calibrated Cummins I4 engine, specifically designed Goodyear Fuel Max low rolling resistance tyres, a high efficiency 28-volt permanent magnet integrated starter-generator from Kollmorgen, an Alcoa Defense lightweight aluminium structure, an improved driveline with non-geared hubs, a 6-speed automatic transmission from Aisin, accelerator feedback pedal and fuel economy display to inform drivers how to operate the vehicle to produce the best fuel economy.

FED ALPHA has been successfully completing government testing at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. One key facility that is paramount to validating the fuel economy of the vehicle is Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) Roadway Simulator. This facility is the world’s largest automotive test simulator and designed to perform vehicle dynamics, powertrain performance, shock and vibration testing in a laboratory environment. This unique drive cycle is comprised of various real world type activities (convoy, urban assault, cross-country and extended idle) that a typical military vehicle would encounter on a mission-to-mission basis. The real world testing of the FED ALPHA will assist in demonstrating and advancing the various technologies that could be utilized to improve fuel efficiency for other U.S. Army vehicles.