US Army taps GE for vehicle electronics
GE Aviation will develop and demonstrate silicon carbide-based power electronics capable of supporting high-voltage ground vehicle electrical power architectures under a $2.1 million contract from the US Army announced on 15 March.
The contract will see the company undertake an 18-month development programme to demonstrate the benefits of its Silicon Carbide MOSFET technology combined with Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices in a 15kW, 28VDC/600VDC bi-directional converter.
GE expects the hardware to provide twice the power in less than 50% of the volume of present silicon-based power electronics. In addition, the converters will be able to operate in parallel and be CANbus programmable.
The contract is in support of the US Army's TARDEC next generation vehicle electrical power architecture leap-ahead technology development. It will result in a technology demonstration in mid-2017.
Vic Bonneau, president of electrical power systems, GE Aviation, said: ‘The US Army's implementation of silicon carbide technology for high voltage, more electric ground vehicles, facilitates significant improvements in size, weight and power for high temperature applications.
‘We have multiple silicon carbide based power conversion products in development and continue to invest in this area. Successes to date have led to this new application that will enable the US Army to better manage on-board power and simplify the vehicle cooling architecture. Ultimately, this product will increase mission capability for the warfighter.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Most of Iran’s 200 missiles fired against Israel were intercepted, states Israeli official]()
Most of Iran’s 200 missiles fired against Israel were intercepted, states Israeli official
Jerusalem’s air defence architecture and the capabilities of its allies prevented major destruction in the country.
-
![Rheinmetall nets Denmark order for 16 Skyranger 30 turrets]()
Rheinmetall nets Denmark order for 16 Skyranger 30 turrets
A prototype of the turret will be expected by late 2026, with deliveries scheduled for 2027–28. The order also included ammunition and additional vehicle equipment for an 8x8 wheeled platform.
-
![Inside the CT40 supercannon]()
Inside the CT40 supercannon
The CT40, which is being rolled out on Ajax vehicles across the British Army, is a cannon honed by recent combat experiences and has been designed to meet the defence challenges of a new era of warfare.
-
![US commits to latest hardware support to Ukraine, including more M1117 vehicles]()
US commits to latest hardware support to Ukraine, including more M1117 vehicles
The latest commitment is the 66th tranche of military support from the US since 2021.
-
![Jankel Light Tactical Transport Vehicle deliveries to Belgium to restart next year]()
Jankel Light Tactical Transport Vehicle deliveries to Belgium to restart next year
NP Aerospace has taken over Jankel’s contract to supply and support Belgium’s LTTV vehicle fleet after acquiring Jankel Armouring’s assets, following Jankel's administration in early 2024.
