When Rivian posted its now legendary “tank flip” video again in 2019, it compelled lots of people to understand that electrical drive may open up new prospects for the best way automobiles transfer. Now, Hyundai Rotem is promising to construct a silent, electric-drive battle tank that may pull off the identical trick — and an entire lot extra.
Diesel-electric drive know-how isn’t new. It’s been powering trains, cranes, and different massive machines for many years. It’s solely comparatively not too long ago that the US navy started experimenting with diesel electrical “hybrid” tanks, nevertheless — with the Bradley BHEV prototype breaking cowl (publicly, not less than) for the primary time in 2022. The US Military reported that the hybrid electrical drive configuration allowed for a 20% enchancment in gas financial system, elevated working vary, and improved efficiency. On the identical time, the Military speculated that the Bradley BHEV would require diminished upkeep in comparison with its diesel counterparts, as a result of a discount within the variety of transferring elements and the diminished load(s) on the diesel generator.
Hyundai Rotem’s newest idea takes that concept a step additional by eradicating the diesel generator altogether and changing it with hydrogen gas cells that might not solely ship energy to electrical motors driving the tank’s treads, however achieve this silently.
What’s extra, as a result of a gas cell and battery pack-equipped tank can function with out giving off a diesel exhaust’s warmth signature, it successfully masks the tank from thermal imaginative and prescient gear and heat-seeking weaponry.
“In keeping with the ESG [environmental, social, governance] development, we’re growing tanks powered by hydrogen gas cells, an eco-friendly vitality supply,” a Hyundai Rotem official mentioned. “In collaboration with the [Korean government’s] Company for Protection Improvement and others, with the event anticipated to be accomplished round 2040 based on the analysis roadmap.”
Which — look, calling hydrogen a “inexperienced” gas is controversial, at greatest. It’s actually unimaginable for hydrogen to compete with battery electrical for transportation, however there could also be a case for its use in extraordinarily energy-dense conditions like extreme responsibility heavy gear which may sink into mud or dust because of the weight of its batteries or, frankly, navy operations the place price and emissions are much less of a priority than the flexibility to successfully assist kill individuals earlier than they kill you (no have to sugarcoat it). In that context, hydrogen would possibly make sense.
Hyundai actually thinks so, and the idea proven right here enhances the capabilities of the corporate’s present K2 major battle tank with higher acceleration, quieter operation, and radar absorbing supplies that, mixed with the automobile’s low warmth signature, make it a really formidable machine.
The tank additionally options, autonomous driving to cut back the menace to human property, distant drone operation for reconnaissance and help operations, and a 130 millimeter clean bore gun.
Hyundai plans to start manufacturing of an analogous machine within the subsequent decade, with the purpose of ultimately reaching a completely electrified tank platform by 2040.
Electrek’s Take
Pak Jae-yeol, commander of the seventh Corps, instructed The Korea Financial Each day that, “if tactical gear corresponding to tanks and helicopters transfer with out noise and fumes, the military’s energy will develop into stronger.”
It’s exhausting to argue with that. What I can argue with, nevertheless, is Hydrogen Perception’s assertion that, “Battery-electric navy autos should not thought of a sensible choice as a result of armed forces can not depend on entry to an electrical energy grid in wartime.”
It’s exhausting to consider a dumber resolution to gas insecurity than hydrogen — a gas that’s notoriously tough to refine, retailer, and transport (safely or in any other case). Particularly when off-grid photo voltaic and wood-burning options for producing warmth and electrical energy are actively being developed by different revered protection contractors like Rolls-Royce and Volvo.
However nobody requested me, proper? The excellent news is that I’m asking you whether or not or not any of that is smart, so head on all the way down to the feedback and inform me how it’s.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Hyundai Rotem, by way of The Korea Herald; Gas Cell Works, Hydrogen Perception.
