When Rivian posted its now legendary “tank flip” video again in 2019, it compelled lots of people to comprehend that electrical drive might open up new potentialities for the way in which automobiles transfer. Now, Hyundai Rotem is promising to construct a silent, electric-drive battle tank that may pull off the identical trick — and a complete lot extra.
Diesel-electric drive know-how isn’t new. It’s been powering trains, cranes, and different large machines for many years. It’s solely comparatively lately that the US navy started experimenting with diesel electrical “hybrid” tanks, nonetheless — with the Bradley BHEV prototype breaking cowl (publicly, not less than) for the primary time in 2022. The US Military reported that the hybrid electrical drive configuration allowed for a 20% enchancment in gas economic system, elevated working vary, and improved efficiency. On the identical time, the Military speculated that the Bradley BHEV would require diminished upkeep in comparison with its diesel counterparts, on account of a discount within the variety of shifting elements and the diminished load(s) on the diesel generator.
Hyundai Rotem’s newest idea takes that concept a step additional by eradicating the diesel generator altogether and changing it with hydrogen gas cells that will not solely ship energy to electrical motors driving the tank’s treads, however achieve this silently.
What’s extra, as a result of a gas cell and battery pack-equipped tank can function with out giving off a diesel exhaust’s warmth signature, it successfully masks the tank from thermal imaginative and prescient tools and heat-seeking weaponry.
“According to the ESG [environmental, social, governance] pattern, we’re growing tanks powered by hydrogen gas cells, an eco-friendly vitality supply,” a Hyundai Rotem official mentioned. “In collaboration with the [Korean government’s] Company for Protection Improvement and others, with the event anticipated to be accomplished round 2040 in accordance with the analysis roadmap.”
Which — look, calling hydrogen a “inexperienced” gas is controversial, at greatest. It’s definitely not possible for hydrogen to compete with battery electrical for transportation, however there could also be a case for its use in extraordinarily energy-dense conditions like extreme obligation heavy tools which may sink into mud or grime as a result of weight of its batteries or, frankly, navy operations the place value and emissions are much less of a priority than the flexibility to successfully assist kill individuals earlier than they kill you (no must sugarcoat it). In that context, hydrogen would possibly make sense.
Hyundai definitely thinks so, and the idea proven right here enhances the capabilities of the corporate’s present K2 major battle tank with higher acceleration, quieter operation, and radar absorbing supplies that, mixed with the car’s low warmth signature, make it a really formidable machine.
The tank additionally options, autonomous driving to scale back the menace to human belongings, distant drone operation for reconnaissance and assist operations, and a 130 millimeter clean bore gun.
Hyundai plans to start manufacturing of the same machine within the subsequent decade, with the aim of ultimately attaining a totally electrified tank platform by 2040.
Electrek’s Take
Pak Jae-yeol, commander of the seventh Corps, advised The Korea Financial Day by day that, “if tactical tools corresponding to tanks and helicopters transfer with out noise and fumes, the military’s energy will turn into stronger.”
It’s exhausting to argue with that. What I can argue with, nonetheless, is Hydrogen Perception’s assertion that, “Battery-electric navy autos will not be thought of a sensible choice as a result of armed forces can’t depend on entry to an electrical energy grid in wartime.”
It’s exhausting to think about a dumber resolution to gas insecurity than hydrogen — a gas that’s notoriously tough to refine, retailer, and transport (safely or in any other case). Particularly when off-grid photo voltaic and wood-burning options for producing warmth and electrical energy are actively being developed by different revered protection contractors like Rolls-Royce and Volvo.
However nobody requested me, proper? The excellent news is that I’m asking you whether or not or not any of that is smart, so head on all the way down to the feedback and inform me how it’s.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Hyundai Rotem, by way of The Korea Herald; Gasoline Cell Works, Hydrogen Perception.
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