US Marine Corps ready the RST-V hybrid tactical vehicle

http://www.gizmag.com/go/3477/ ^ | November 16, 2004

[kupia_kummi]

November 16, 2004 The US Marine Corps' first 4x4 hybrid-electric tactical vehicle - the Shadow RST-V - has been tested by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and may soon challenge the Humvee as the dominant vehicle for military use.

The Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V) is a high mobility, electric drive technology demonstrator that incorporates a lightweight diesel engine coupled to a permanent-magnetic generator which drives four in-hub permanent-magnet electric wheel motors. The RST-V is ideally suited as a reconnaissance vehicle, as its lithium-ion battery pack enables silent movement for upwards of 20 miles with extremely low thermal and acoustic signatures.

The vehicle has an aluminium body with an optional armour package providing protection against small arms fire and mines, and fits a crew of four. There are two doors on the sides and a ramp at the back for entry to the internal cargo area. Bulletproof windows can be installed on the front and sides.

"[The RST-V] offers a tremendous amount of enhanced capabilities to the warfighter," said Jeffrey Bradel, ONR Manoeuvre manager. "This is a technology demonstrator... to show the Marine Corps leadership the potential benefits that these advanced technologies provide on the battlefield."

[gridlock]

Kind of reminds me of the M-577 APC from Aliens...

[null and void]

IIRC, the aluminum caught fire.

[AreaMan]

What does "IIRC" mean.

Yes, the aluminum did burn. Not a good characteristic for a warship.

[gridlock]

It sure was a pretty boat up 'til then, though...

[Meglos]

Looks to me like a vehicle they'll be able to use (and even park overnight) in the 'hood -- those wheels look like they'd be pretty hard to steal.

[null and void]

IIRC=If I Recall Correctly.

Also I think they determined that an Exocet warhead by itself wouldn't ignite the aluminum, it was the unused rocket propellant left over because of the close range launch that did it.

[AreaMan]

Huh, I didn't know that. Thanks. Still, you shouldn't make your boats out of stuff that burns so easily.

[null and void]

I'd favor Nitinol, AKA TiNi, AKA shape memory alloy.

It's corrosion resistant. Super elastic. And returns to shape when heated.

Imagine that a warhead punches a big hole in a ship. The resulting fire causes the metal to revert to shape, sealing the hole (except for where metal was actually removed) and snuffing out the fire due to lack of oxygen.

Too bad it's so expensive...

[Rebel_Ace]

"IIRC, the aluminum caught fire."

I think it was the MAGNESIUM alloy the ship was made from.

[Chode]

Absolutely... we shouldn't be fielding anything that can't handle up to 14.5mm, especially in a scout vehicle out looking for trouble or just doing a recon and finding it by accident. we can always buy commercial 4X4 vehicles for garrison duty etc.