Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V)

Program Name:

Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V)

Program Description:

The Reconnaissance Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle, or RST-V, was created as a technology demonstration effort with the objective of demonstrating a V-22 compatible vehicle with hybrid electric drive and advanced/integrated survivability features. 

The RST-V incorporates design innovations in electric wheel motor drive, chassis design, power management and a patented folding suspension to provide a vehicle system with improvements in mobility, cargo capacity and economy over existing systems. 

Four vehicles have been constructed with over 12,000 miles of development testing and user evaluation conducted.  Operational evaluations conducted by the Marine Corps demonstrated the potential of the electric drive and hybrid power systems to optimize the platform for expeditionary operations. 

Current focus is on exploitation of the hybrid power system and export power capability for C2/C2 on-the-move requirements.   

The FY 06 program includes upgrades to the vehicles based on user evaluations, installation and testing of 30kW export power capability, and preparation for a real world tactical demonstration in a relevant operating environment.

Customer(s):

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Tactical Technology Office (TTO), Office of Naval Research (ONR)
Marine Corps Systems Command

Contract Value:

$37.4 M

Deliverables:

4 vehicles
Test Results
Data

Key Dates:

Prime Contractor:

General Dynamics Land Systems.  Work being performed primarily at the GDLS Technical Center in Muskegon, MI, with support from GDLS resources in Tallahassee, FL, and Sterling Heights, MI.

Team Members:

Magnet Motor, GmbH, Germany  SAFT
ADSI

Challenges:

Initial challenge was to executing a “clean sheet of paper” design of a light (8,000 pound) combat vehicle that meets the stringent space constraints for internal transport in the V-22 Osprey. 

This was accomplished through the use of a patented folding suspension that yields a vehicle that is narrower than a jeep with the cargo capacity of the HMMWV. 

Current challenges include growing Gross Vehicle Weight to 10,000 pounds, incorporating Armor system for crew survivability against contemporary threats, and implementing 30kW of 60Hz exportable electric power, all while growing reliability and Technology Readiness Level to TRL=6

Other Pertinent Information:

POC: Mr. Tom Trzaska
Manager, Developmental Programs
GDLS Technical Center
640 Seminole Rd.
Muskegon, MI 49441
231-780-5815