Publication

Power and Mobility (P&M)
2014

INTEGRATED POWER GENERATION FOR DIRECTED ENERGY APPLICATIONS

by Kurt I. Pesch; Kevin J. Boice

Abstract

The electrical power demands of military ground vehicles have grown rapidly over the years. New sensors, computers, communications equipment, and weapon systems demand increased levels of electrical power to employ their capabilities. To provide our War-fighters access to these new technologies, vehicle power initiatives are keeping pace by exploring efficient integrated next-generation mobile power solutions. TARDEC’s Advanced Propulsion with Onboard Vehicle Power (APOP) program and explorations into on-platform Directed Energy based systems demonstrate an ideal coupling of compliment technologies. The advanced warfare capabilities of the future can be brought to our Warfighters through purposeful research and investment to ensure timely readiness. The TARDEC/GDLS APOP power generation effort is one such collaborative effort, and represents a potential breakthrough in next-generation power for military ground vehicles.