Conceptualization of a Next-Generation Electric Drive Combat Vehicle

This research details the conversion of an 8 × 8 Scaled Electric Combat Vehicle (SECV) into an unmanned Scaled Next-Generation Combat Vehicle technology testbed, and proposes the integration of electric powertrains to improve vehicle mobility and new sensor technology to improve operator situational awareness. The proposed electric drivetrain supports power distribution using conductive cables to independently powered wheels with all-wheel steering according to Ackermann angles, and has advantages such as silent operation. New sensor technology such as 360° cameras and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors also provide the operator and occupants of a vehicle with significant improvements to situational awareness while within the confines of a vehicle compared to the use of viewports with limited viewing angles. While this research has been performed with combat vehicles in mind, it is directly applicable to any multi-wheeled heavy vehicles as the main focus is on improving vehicle mobility and operator situational awareness. It also brings awareness to the benefits of small-scale testing as a low-cost method of testing the benefit of new technologies.