ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- An onboard vehicle power system for powering electronic sensors, communications and other equipment is being field tested by the U.S. Army.
DRS Technologies Inc. said the DRS/Allison transmission integral generator transforms a vehicle's powertrain into an electrical power plant, reducing reliance on heavy generators.
"All fielded C4ISR equipment needs power, from soldier radios to brigade servers," said Mike Sarrica, president of DRS Network and Imaging Systems group. "The constant access to power is vital to maintain connectivity.
"The DRS and Allison ... offering demonstrates multiple proven technologies that deliver improved capabilities to meet the requirements of Army Network and Mission Command modernization efforts."
C4ISR is the acronym for command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
DRS said the onboard vehicle power system will be used during testing on two company-sponsored concept vehicles -- the mobile integrated command post vehicle and the mission command on the move vehicle.
Both are based on Navistar MaxxPro mine-resistant ambush-proof vehicles.
"Today's network and mission command systems require access to reliable, efficient and mobile power solutions," Sarrica said. "Towed generators limit cross-country mobility, take up valuable space when deploying, and add to the logistics sustainment burden of our forces."
