BAE Systems elects to test HED system for GCV programme
The Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) system in development as part of BAE Systems’ Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) proposal has completed 2,000 miles of testing on a fully integrated ‘Hotbuck’ mobility platform. The company reported that the testing, completed four months ahead of schedule, has been a success.
The Hotbuck is a stationary test stand that simulates real-life environments and terrain and puts actual miles on the HED system. The Hotbuck integrates HED components that will be used in BAE Systems’ GCV offering including the traction drive system, thermal systems, engines, generators, controllers and software.
Conducted at the BAE Systems Santa Clara, California, facility, the 2,000-mile advanced testing precisely replicated conditions at two well-known military test tracks. According to the company, the results of the tests further validated the performance, efficiency and maturity of the HED technology applied in BAE Systems’ GCV design, marking a significant milestone for its work on the Technology Development (TD) phase of the programme.
Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Armored Combat Systems at BAE Systems, said: ‘This testing achievement is a significant advancement in the overall GCV programme. With actual hardware to show, this puts the BAE Systems team ahead of schedule both now and in the next phase of the programme, saving the customer development time and money.
‘Our primary objective was to test our hybrid electric technology over time against realistic environments, and the successful completion of the testing is a testament to the quality and maturity of the technology.’
Developing and testing actual hardware was not a programme requirement for the TD phase, but BAE Systems said it chose to take the initiative to demonstrate the fuel efficiency and performance of a hybrid system for the US Army’s next infantry fighting vehicle.
BAE Systems was awarded a contract for the TD phase of the GCV programme in August 2011. General Dynamics Land Systems was also awarded a contract under this phase of the programme. TD phase work is scheduled to be complete by June 2014.
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows]()
NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows
One goal of NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow was to identify the potential uses of uncrewed ground vehicles – as seen on the Ukrainian battlefield – and put platforms into the hands of users.
-
![SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet]()
SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet
Galvion has introduced its Cortex Evo integrated head system, combining ballistic protection, power, data and processing capabilities within a single combat helmet architecture.
-
![Why cost-effective flexible networks are the key to C-UAS success]()
Why cost-effective flexible networks are the key to C-UAS success
The widespread use of drones and loitering munitions in current conflicts has tilted the balance in favour of the attacking force, both operationally and economically. EOS’s Dr Andreas Schwer tackles the question of what kind of C-UAS defences are needed to protect battlefield forces, and even entire countries.
-
![The C-UAS challenge: Finding the threat before it finds you]()
The C-UAS challenge: Finding the threat before it finds you
How Teledyne FLIR Defense C-UAS solutions – and sensors optimized for third-party systems integrators – deliver early drone detection and decision advantage for UAS threat response
