Advantages of Electric Powered Combat Vehicles
Introduction
The geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused many countries to increase their military budgets and focus on improving combat technologies. In this context, electric-powered combat vehicles have emerged as a viable solution due to their many advantages. This article will analyze the benefits of electric-powered combat vehicles in detail, examining how technological developments in electric engines, batteries, and energy distribution systems can provide superior performance, maneuverability, and survivability to ground-based combat vehicles.
Electric Engines
Developments in electric engines allow for increased efficiency and better acceleration, offering combat vehicles advantages that were not achievable with traditional engines. Electric engines are capable of high performance, making them well-suited to maneuvering loads and achieving quick accelerations. In addition, electric engines offer flexibility in layout and design, allowing for improved vehicle survivability and optimum fuel efficiency. For combat vehicles, this means increased mobility and better response in combat scenarios.
Energy Distribution System and Batteries
The development of energy distribution systems and advanced, compact batteries has paved the way for electric-powered combat vehicles. The use of buffer batteries compensates for increasing acceleration and vigorous maneuvering loads, allowing the vehicle to maintain mobility and situational awareness during combat. The buffer batteries also offer the ability to operate even if the main engine is no longer functioning, enabling the vehicle to leave the battlefield. In addition, new high-capacity and extended-temperature range batteries reduce the need for regular recharging, further supporting the vehicle’s mobility.
Increased Survivability
Electric-powered combat vehicles also offer increased survivability due to the absence of rigid mechanical linkage units and fire hazardous hydraulic actuators. The flexibility of the electric transmission provides better survivability for military equipment due to the possibility of reserving the transmission component. The absence of hydraulic actuators will improve the survivability of ground combat vehicles both for lower fire risk and greater reliability. The elimination of hydraulic actuators in favor of electric ones makes the vehicle both safer and more reliable.
Flexible Layout and Weaponry
Electric-powered combat vehicles provide a flexible layout that can accommodate a variety of weapons and equipment. By eliminating the need for rigid mechanical linkage units and optimizing engine placement, the vehicle can be configured to provide better maneuverability and tactical advantages. Laser weapons, for example, can be integrated into the vehicle’s design to offset the threat from small unmanned aerial vehicles. Moreover, electric-powered combat vehicles can recover energy during braking, furthering their range and tactical efficiency.
Energy Efficient
Electric-powered vehicles can recover energy during braking, a feature that traditional vehicles do not possess. This aspect alone provides a significant tactical advantage, reducing the need for regular refueling and increasing the vehicle’s operational efficiency. Electric-powered combat vehicles with infinitely variable power transmission to the propellers and flexible power distribution between left and right sides provide better mobility and handling characteristics. The electric-powered vehicle’s power loss on the rear side electric motor can be compensated for by an increase in the power of the take-off electric engine during a turn.
Conclusion
The benefits of electric-powered combat vehicles are evident, as they offer superior performance, flexibility, and survivability over traditional combat vehicles. Developments in electric engines, batteries, and energy distribution systems have given rise to new possibilities, making electric-powered combat vehicles a viable solution. As combat vehicles continue to evolve to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern warfare, it is certain that electric-powered combat vehicles will play an increasingly significant role in the conflicts of the future.