U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center | |
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Active | 1946 – present |
Country | United States |
Branch | U.S. Army |
Type | Research and Development |
Garrison/HQ | Detroit Arsenal, Michigan |
Website | Official Website |
The United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), located in Warren, Michigan, is the United States Armed Forces' research and development facility for advanced technology in ground systems. It is part of the Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), a major subordinate command of the United States Army Materiel Command. TARDEC shares its facilities with the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC). Current technology focus areas include Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility (GVPM), Ground System Survivability and Force Protection Technology, among others.
It features a number of research laboratories, including a:
TARDEC is designing fuel efficient vehicles that integrate a wide variety of technologies to demonstrate the state-of-the-art in fuel efficient vehicle design.
The FED's objectives include:
FED "Alpha" fabrication was completed in October 2010. FED Alpha is powered by a super/turbocharged 200 horsepower 4.5 litre inline 4-cylinder Diesel engine optimized for fuel efficiency. Alpha also includes other fuel-saving subsystems, such as an integrated starter generator, lightweight hull, low rolling resistance tires, driver feedback systems, solar panels, low-drag brakes, superfinishing of driveline components, and other technologies. FED Alpha was to undergo performance testing starting in early 2011[update].
FED "Bravo" detailed design phase was completed and was to begin fabrication in early 2011[update]. Bravo was to have a road-coupled parallel hybrid powertrain. FED Bravo was to begin performance testing in late 2011[update].