Qinetiq, BAE team for electric drive tech

Qinetiq and BAE Systems have teamed to market the E-X-Drive electric drive system for tracked combat vehicles in international markets.

Qinetiq’s E-X-Drive transmission for tracked combat vehicles has been in ongoing development since 1999.

Conceived as an alternative to more complex and limiting traditional drive systems, Qinetiq has worked with BAE Systems since 2004 to mature the technology, and has demonstrated it for US programmes covering the tracked combat vehicle range from 18 to over 70 tonne.

The system is designed to improve fuel efficiency, reliability, and mobility performance, while reducing life-cycle costs.

David Moore, campaign director electrical propulsion and drivetrains, Qinetiq, said: ‘More than 18 years of research and development at Qinetiq has led to a range of highly advanced technology that will improve survivability and performance by enabling radical new vehicle architectures.

‘These could save lives by placing the crew in a safer position within the vehicle, or improving its agility and mobility to reduce its exposure to danger. Our strategic partnership with BAE Systems creates new opportunities for customers globally to exploit the huge potential of this game-changing technology and demonstrates Qinetiq’s strategy for achieving international growth through collaboration and innovation.’