First Ever Combat Vehicles to Use Hybrid Electric Drive Technology

HUDSON, Mass., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Hypertronics Corporation, a Smiths Interconnect business and world-leading provider of high performance interconnect solutions for the most demanding applications, today announced that they were awarded a contract with BAE Systems to supply customized electrical connectors for the Traction Drive System (TDS) for the Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV) program. The family of eight FCS MGVs is the first ever Army suite of ground combat vehicles to use hybrid electric drive technology. The TDS is a common platform assembly that will provide vehicle propulsion, steering and braking and regenerate electrical power from braking and downhill grades for use in vehicle electrical systems.

FCS is a joint networked family of manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors that enables ground combat forces to conduct their missions safely and more effectively. Boeing and partner Science Applications International (function as the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for the program, managing a best-of-industry team of more than 800 partners and suppliers. The first run prototypes of the initial MGV, the Non-Line-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C), are currently being delivered.

Hypertronics will supply a customized interconnect system for the custom power electronics on the common manifold assembly of the TDS that distributes and controls power from the main electric generator power source to the TDS high voltage battery pack and other vehicle sub assemblies. The hybrid electric drive system will improve fuel economy, reduce overall weight and volume and generate electric power.

Hypertronics was selected to supply the interconnect system based on the ultra-reliability of the Hypertac(R) technology that features their unique Hyperboloid contact design and also their experience and capability to create a custom component that satisfied the extensive performance requirements. Designed by Hypertronics engineers together with BAE Systems and General Dynamics, the custom-designed ARINC style, blind mating, high-powered connector system provides signal power in a compact form factor. Hypertronics connectors offer many benefits such as low insertion forces, long contact life, lower contact resistance, low footprint, higher current ratings and immunity to shock and vibration that make them an ideal component for the MGV to ensure reliability.

SOURCE Hypertronics Corporation

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