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Eaton To Develop Digital Hydraulic Hybrid Drive System For U.S. Army Vehicles

December 26, 2007 by Jeff Shepard

Eaton Corp. announced that it is adapting its digital hydraulic hybrid drive system technology for U.S. Army vehicles. The goal of the project, which is being done in conjunction with Western Michigan University (WMU), is to develop smaller and lighter drivetrain components, increase fuel efficiency and improve traction and stability for Army tactical vehicles.

"Eaton has proven capabilities in integrating hydraulic, electronic, and mechanical torque control technologies into sophisticated and yet practical hybrid vehicle drivetrain applications," said Yannis Tsavalas, Eaton Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "The new hybrid drivetrains will offer significant advantages over existing systems, enabling the vehicles to carry more armored protection for the soldiers who use them."

Development work will be conducted by scientists and engineers at Eaton’s Innovation Center in Southfield, Michigan, in cooperation with WMU’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Design Simulation (CAVIDS) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Also actively involved in the project is Eaton’s hydraulics headquarters location in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.