Coventry-based NP Aerospace has been awarded a £3 million contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to demonstrate hybrid electric-drive systems on Foxhound and Jackal light infantry vehicles, with the project being delivered in collaboration with General Dynamics Land Systems-UK, Supacat and Magtec.

The contract award is part of the Protected Mobility Engineering and Technical Support (PMETS) programme which is being led by NP Aerospace as the engineering authority for the vehicle fleet. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK and Supacat are the partner vehicle OEMs, and Magtec is the electric drive and battery technology partner.

Developed by Magtec in the UK, the hybrid electric e-drive solution for Foxhound and Jackal is intended to deliver multiple technical and operational enhancements, including: silent mobility; enhanced silent watch capabilities; off-board electrical power; and increased onboard power for the insertion of the latest technologies.

Alongside delivering multiple technical and operational enhancements, the introduction of hybrid technology will ultimately reduce the Army’s reliance on fossil fuels – a step towards the Government’s 2050 net-zero goal.

Defence Minister, Jeremy Quin, said: “It is vital our armoured vehicles are equipped with the latest technology so we can maintain our battle-winning edge. These tests will ensure our Armed Forces have the latest, safest and most efficient technology, while continuing to support prosperity across the UK. They represent a potential opportunity to improve our vehicles sustainability and military effectiveness.”

David Petheram, NP Aerospace chief operating officer, said: “The Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) programme delivers safety, efficiency and innovation activities across a variety of vehicle platforms, via a collaborative approach.

“The hybrid electric drive project is a significant development that will further extend the technical capabilities of the vehicles and is an important advancement in the incorporation of new technology.

“It will provide a greater understanding of what hybrid technology could achieve, whilst also looking to the future in terms of integrating additional sophisticated electronics across the PMETS vehicle fleet.”

Carew Wilks, vice-president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “As technology develops to meet the future operating needs of the British Army, the demand for onboard power only increases, and electrification of land vehicles offers an innovative solution.

“Foxhound, the British Army light infantry vehicle of choice, already has an architecture that enables electrification and is a natural choice for this demonstrator. We look forward to demonstrating our e-drive Foxhound in the coming months.”

Andrew Gilligan, Magtec managing director, said: “Magtec is a UK leader in the design and manufacture of electric vehicle drive systems and is proud to be supporting the British Army in the development of new technology to protect British troops when they are on the move.

“Magtec has a strong track record in delivering drive systems for the most demanding applications. We are creating high-quality engineering jobs in the North of England and strengthening the UK’s position at the forefront of the global transport sector.”