Defence firm QinetiQ is to provide its E-X-Drive transmission as the key component of a hybrid electric drive propulsion system for BAE Systems’ £283.9m Ground Combat Vehicle contract.

The E-X-Drive transmission for electric drive tracked vehicles was selected because of its step forward from conventional hydro-mechanical transmissions in terms of efficiency, size, weight, reliability and flexibility.

It will supply the BAE Systems Northrop-Grumman team, which was recently  awarded the contract for the technology development phase of the U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) programme.

“E-X-Drive is the key component of our hybrid electric drive propulsion system for the GCV having been proven by the U.S. Army’s Future Combat System programme as the most mature and capable product available,” commented Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of weapons systems at BAE Systems.

Mr Signorelli added: “By combining our expertise in vehicle design with QinetiQ’s game-changing technology we are able to deliver an affordable electric drive propulsion system that enables exceptional force protection and mobility in a lower weight vehicle. Our system has the added advantage of provisioning for growth in power requirements as new technologies are matured and integrated into the platform.”

QinetiQ will deliver several transmissions during the 24-month technology development phase of the GCV programme. They will be used to confirm demanding performance and durability targets, demonstrating the technology’s readiness for prototype builds during the engineering and manufacturing phase.

David Crane, programme director of Power Management at QinetiQ said: “We are delighted to be on the BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman team as the provider of E-X-Drive technology that is a key differentiator for the Ground Combat Vehicle and a significant innovation in armoured fighting vehicle design.”