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The
US Army is launching a diesel-electric hybrid powered version
the Aggressor – an off-road Alternative Mobility Vehicle
(AMV). "Aggressor" was developed by Quantum Fuel Systems
Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:QTWW) under a U.S. Army's
Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center
(TARDEC) and the U.S. National Automotive Center (NAC) program.
The Aggressor was designed as high performance light-duty off-road
hybrid vehicle powered by hydrogen based fuel cell. TRADEC contracted
Alion Science and technology Corporation to manage the program.
Quantum was awarded the $4.88 million development contract for
the propulsion system.
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| The second-generation
AMV will be based on feedback from the U.S. Army's testing and
evaluation of the Aggressor. Its propulsion system will comprise
a battery dominant, series hybrid electric system, charged by
JP-8 fuel-compatible diesel internal combustion engine. This
system is considered to be a cost-effective near-term solution
as fuel cell technology matures. "We believe that the AMV
program offers an innovative solution as a long-range reconnaissance
vehicle that fills a technology gap for the U.S. Army in its
national defense efforts while reducing its fuel logistic burden,"
said Alan Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. The vehicle's
silent watch capability, high performance acceleration, extended
range, and exportable power provide significant advantages for
the U.S. Army in communications, surveillance, targeting, and
reconnaissance missions.
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