GENESIS - The Hybrid for the Battlefield

Hybrid into the future: With the fully self-financed technology demonstrator GENESIS, FFG aims to show that the company already has expertise in hybrid drive technology, software development, and electronic control. FFG positions itself as a partner and important technology supplier for future vehicle programs, such as the successor to the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle or the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) as a third-generation battle tank.

The GENESIS combines a modular vehicle concept with hybrid drive technology. The armored vehicle platform houses the power generation, drive system, driver's cab, as well as all essential control elements and subsystems. This standardized platform can be configured for a wide range of mission tasks by attaching different mission modules. The platform is operated by 2 crew members (commander and driver).

Features

• 8x8 armored vehicle with full hybrid drive, individual wheel speed control, and recuperation
• Drive-by-Wire: Elimination of conventional steering
• Individual wheel suspension via swing arms, tire pressure regulation system

• Diesel-electric power supply with lithium batteries
• Electronic drive management system with individual speed and torque control for acceleration, deceleration, and steering

Hybrid Drive

The hybrid drive system is diesel-electric and has a total output of 1,368 kW. A highly efficient diesel-powered generator produces the electric power as needed, which charges the electric storage unit in the front of the vehicle.
From this storage unit, eight electric drives are supplied with energy, driving the respective wheels with a torque of up to 15,622 Nm through propeller shafts. In case of a motor failure, it can continue to run free of load without bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Full Torque - From the Start

Unlike combustion engines, electric drives provide full torque at all times, which is very advantageous in difficult terrain or for short-term accelerations.
To ensure the crew's safety from hazards of the high-voltage electrical system, the GENESIS has numerous safety features that automatically shut off the electric system in case of detecting an error when necessary. An advantage of the modular drive concept is its scalability to be applied in a variety of vehicle configurations. In addition to the current 8x8 layout, 6x6 or 4x4 drives can also be implemented.

Drive-by-Wire

The core of the electric drive system is the "Drive-by-Wire" control system. Developed with the expertise of FFG software engineers, this system eliminates the physical connection between the driver's controls and the individual wheels. Instead, the vehicle is steered through the individual speed control and torque change of each wheel. Since the powertrain operates without conventional gearboxes and steering components, the costs for procurement and maintenance of such components necessary in conventional drives are eliminated. All essential functions of the vehicle are monitored and controlled by the crew through three multifunctional touch displays.

True Silent Watch

In pure electric mode, the hybrid diesel-electric energy concept allows for nearly silent movement or operation of onboard systems for reconnaissance and communication without the need for a combustion engine to run (Silent Watch).
In certain temperature ranges, only the cooling system fans or the tires cause noise emissions. However, these are minimal compared to conventional drives.
The energy system of GENESIS can also be used to provide electrical energy for other consumers in stationary field camp operations.

Advantages of the Genesis

• Silent Move: low acoustic and thermal signature
• Outstanding performance parameters available as peak performance
• Energy-saving cruise, reduced emissions (200 kW diesel generator)
• Scalable drive technology (4x4, 6x6) for future vehicle programs such as the successor to the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle or the German-French MGSC
• Electric power supply for external consumers in stationary field camp operations
• Modular vehicle design allows for various mission configurations through independent mission modules as personnel carriers, medical tanks, mobile command posts, etc.

Find all information about the Genesis IFV by FFG HERE.

FFG online