Joint
Tactical
Electric
Vehicle
The JTEV is a project undertaken by the Marine Corps and managed by the
Naval Surface Warfare Center to test technologies for future light
vehicles. It is designed to fit in both the CH-46 Sea Knight and MV-22
Osprey. Instead of an engine powering the wheels, a 2.1-liter Peugot
turbodiesel powers a heavy brushless alternator that supplies power to
two motors; one for the front wheels and the other for the rear wheels.
Using the engine, the JTEV can carry two people and 800 lbs of cargo over
460 miles at speeds up to 40 mph. With the engine switched off, the JTEV
can move silently (and with a reduced infra-red signature) for
between eight and twelve miles. Hot exhaust from the engine is mixed with
warm air used to cool the alternator to produce a heat signature about
half of what a conventional diesel produces.
Because of the electric nature of its propulsion, the JTEV should adapt
readily to the high tech environment. It would be able to support radios
and radar units, making it appealing for use by the USAF's Combat Controllers or as a laser spotting vehicle for
precision bombing behind the lines. Its light weight (5,000 lbs)
would make it easily air transportable. As a test vehicle, it won't go
into production, but companies will be submitting designs this spring for
a new scout vehicle using musch of what was learned with the JTEV.