SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Eaton Corp. announced a project with Western Michigan University to adapt the company's digital hydraulic hybrid drive system technology for U.S. Army vehicles.

Eaton announced the project in cooperation with WMU's Center for Advanced Vehicle Design Simulation is an effort to develop smaller and lighter drivetrain components and improved traction and stability for Army tactical vehicles.

"Eaton has proven capabilities in integrating hydraulic, electronic, and mechanical torque control technologies into sophisticated and yet practical hybrid vehicle drivetrain applications," Yannis Tsavalas, Eaton vice president and chief technology officer, said in a statement. "The new hybrid drivetrains will offer significant advantages over existing systems, enabling the vehicles to carry more armored protection for the soldiers who use them."

Company officials say development work will be conducted at Eaton's Innovation Center in Southfield, Mich., and the company's hydraulics headquarters location in Eden Prairie, Minn.

In addition to the project's drivetrain and traction goals, officials say increased fuel efficiency will also be researched.

"The development of Eaton's exciting hybrid technologies has the potential to transform the U.S. Army's fleet of armored vehicles," said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich. "There is the real opportunity to improve fuel economy, allowing the vehicles to be out in the field for much longer periods of time before they need refueling."