US Army picks Calnetix as electrification inverter partner
Robotic Combat Vehicle following a live fire exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in April 2021. (Photo: US Army/Dan Heaton)
Bidirectional silicon carbide inverters will be tested by the US Army as it looks to add electric power to next-generation vehicles.
The US Army Ground Vehicles Systems Center has chosen California-based Calnetix Technologies to design and develop a 500kW bidirectional silicon carbide inverter, which will be demonstrated in multiple new-generation programmes.
The high-frequency and power-dense inverter will be demonstrated in Robotic Combat Vehicle - Medium and Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle prototypes as a part of the Platform Electrification and Mobility (PEM) effort, Calnetix announced on 28 July.
The company will deliver a number of inverters during the multi-year technology development phase.
PEM inverters will drive traction motors and pair with hybrid electric generators to provide mobility and onboard electrical power.
Vatche Artinian, CEO of Calnetix Technologies, claimed: ‘The PEM inverter will provide high-temperature operation and power density, high system efficiency of up to 98.5%, and unmatched power levels and durability for the harsh environments of the US Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems.’
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates]()
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.
-
![DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions]()
DSEI 2025: Controp Discusses AI-Enabled Multi-Domain Surveillance Solutions
At DSEI 2025, Controp representatives outline how artificial intelligence is being integrated with electro-optical payloads to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across land, air, and maritime domains.
-
![SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations]()
SCD highlights advances in infrared imaging for defence operations
Infrared imaging manufacturer SCD outlines its approach to enhancing visibility for defence forces operating in complex environments.
-
![DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks]()
DSEI 2025: First mobility trials completed for British Army Challenger 3 tanks
The mobility trials saw the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) tested at a variety of locations in the UK, covering a combined 760km across a variety of terrains including road and cross country.
