Babcock and Cosworth to explore hybrid propulsion in military vehicles

Babcock International Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cosworth, a propulsion expert, to explore the use of hybrid systems in military land vehicles. Under the agreement, the companies will work together to deliver the systems to convert fuel to electricity in military vehicles.
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Partnering for Project Lurcher with Electric Vehicles (EV) experts from Electrogenic, Babcock will convert four in-service military Land Rovers (two protected vehicles and two general service) from diesel-fueled to EV using a drop-in kit and modified battery system (Picture source: Babcock International)

Babcock will integrate Cosworth’s ‘Cat Gen’ (Catalytic Generator) into a 70 Series Toyota Land Cruiser which forms part of Babcock’s General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) family and conduct trials in military environments.

Cosworth’s ‘Cat Gen’ is able to generate 35kW of electricity from a variety of liquid and gaseous fuels, in order to produce power. Successful trials would lead to both silent running and greater vehicle range when compared to existing hybrid propulsion methods. The ‘Cat Gen’ has only one moving part, making maintenance minimal. It is also able to use fuels ranging from diesel through to zero-emissions hydrogen ensuring that it is a capability for both now and in the future.

Chris Spicer said: “We’ve already had great success working with the British Army to convert Land Rovers into electric vehicle prototypes. This new partnership with Cosworth will support Babcock’s development of the next generation of military hybrid vehicles. This is exciting news for the British Army who are already showing tremendous leadership in this field.”

Hal Reisiger said: “Cosworth has successfully expanded into the defence sector over the last eight years. This exciting program showcases our alternative propulsion solution the ‘Cat Gen’ and reinforces the brand’s commitment to supply a broad range of propulsion solutions across the Automotive, Motorsport, Marine, Aerospace and Defence sectors. Babcock are an important development partner for Cosworth, and we look forward to continuing our development partnership”.

Babcock will integrate Cosworth’s ‘Cat Gen’ (Catalytic Generator) into a 70 Series Toyota Land Cruiser which forms part of Babcock’s General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) family and conduct trials in military environments (Picture source: Babcock International)

Defense News September 2023