MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Millenworks LUV
|image=
|caption=
|origin= USA
|type= Utility Vehicle
|is_vehicle=yes
|service=
|used_by=
|wars=
|designer= Rod Millen{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071015021630/http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003781.html Defense Tech: A Little LUV for the Future Military Jeep]}}
|design_date= 2007
|manufacturer= MillenWorks
|unit_cost=
|production_date=
|number=
|variants=
|width=2.29 m (90in)
|height=2.03 m (80in) (nominal)
|diameter=
|crew= 1+4
|armour=A & B level armor kits
|primary_armament= Remote Weapon Station
|secondary_armament=
|engine=Steyr Motors M16 VTI Combat
2x Brushless permanent magnet motors
|engine_power=215 hp, 400 ft.lbf
400 ft.lbf each
|transmission=(rear) Eaton Autoshift 6 speed Semi-automatic transmission
(front) Klune-V 2-Speed gearbox
|payload_capacity=1814 kg (4000 lb)
|fuel_capacity=
|pw_ratio=
|suspension=SLA using semi-active Magneto Rheological dampers with ride height control
|clearance= .46 m (18in) (nominal)
|vehicle_range=
|speed=122 km/h (76 mph)
|guidance=
}}
The MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) is a prototype testbed for automotive technologies. It was designed and built by MillenWorks under contract to the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. Textron Marine and Land Systems will use the platform for further development of component technologies.{{Cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/features/november_07/mdm07_hed.htm |title=JLTV Pathfinders: Hybrid Electric Powered JLTV Concept Vehicles Unveilled |access-date=2007-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515234738/http://www.defense-update.com/features/november_07/mdm07_hed.htm |archive-date=2008-05-15 |url-status=dead }} The vehicle was a possible Joint Light Tactical Vehicle candidate, but was not selected.
Design
The LUV has a very revolutionary drivetrain layout. The front wheels of the vehicle are powered by an electric motor located under the hood, while the rear wheels are powered by a separate diesel-electric parallel hybrid consisting of a second electric motor as well as a standard NATO M16 diesel motor. This eliminates the driveshaft common on most 4WD vehicles, and reduces the chances of an IED "mobility kill", since a hit in either the front or rear will not completely incapacitate the vehicle.{{Cite web |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/moderndaymarine |title=Military Videos: Videos, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Marines - Military Times |access-date=2007-10-14 |archive-date=2008-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829195819/http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/moderndaymarine |url-status=dead }} Eliminating the driveshaft also allows for greater ground clearance, which combined with a V-hull design, improves survivability from land mines, allowing the blast more space to dissipate. The vehicle's other safety features include scalable armor protection and a quick-release windshield for emergency egress. The front and rear sub-frames are identical, along with interchangeable suspension corners, which reduces the number of required spare parts. The throttle, braking system, and steering are all x-by-wire control systems.[http://www.millenworks.com/html/light_tactical_vehicles.htm?&navItemIndex=2 MillenWorks – Driving Innovation] The driver sits in a centered position, similar to Rod Millen's Pikes Peak race cars and the McLaren F1. It is transportable by C-130, CH-47, and CH-53.
See also
- HMMWV replacement process
- Shadow RST-V (cancelled)
- International FTTS
Sources
{{Reflist}}
{{Textron}}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}
Category:Military light utility vehicles