Raytheon is entering the automotive market with an innovative new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) aimed at the special forces market. Hybrid-Defense Reconnaissance Assault (Hy-DRA) was officially launched at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX), held in Amman, Jordan in May 2010. What sets Hy-DRA apart from other all-terrain vehicles is the advanced, hybrid-electric drive system (HED) enabling the vehicle to perform with unique stealth capabilities. The vehicle has a top speed of 96 km/h (60 mph). Its range is 563 km (350 miles) in hybrid mode. Employing its silent ‘stealth mode’, the Hy-DRA can travel on battery power only for about 29 km (18 miles) at up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
According to Raytheon, Hy-DRA offers near-silent vehicle operation with four high-torque electric hub motors that provide four wheel drive capability. The electric motor can also be used in a static mode as a power generator, supporting deployed forces with up to 30 kilowatt of power. The vehicle uses an advanced electronic control panel with embedded moving map navigation display.
The HyDRA can carry a payload of 453 kg (1,000 lb) or tow 1.4 tons (3,000 lb.) It is configured to accommodate a crew of three – driver in the front, and two team members in the back seats, facing forward. The vehicle can be used as a weapons platform, deliver supplies off-road used for combat evacuation, carrying two litters.
The vehicle weighs 1.088 tons (2,400 lb) and is designed for internal load inside a Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Each Osprey can carry a single vehicle while a Chinook medium-lift helicopter or can carry multiple Hy-DRAs. Even the Black Hawk can sling-load a Hy-DRA.
