26 Feb 2002
BAE Systems Controls will develop a prototype hybrid electric truck for FedEx Express as part of a project to select the delivery company's next standard configuration for delivery trucks. The prototype, to be delivered in September 2002, will be designed to dramatically increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
BAE Systems is applying its HybriDrive propulsion system - proven in more than half a million miles of service on New York City buses - to power the prototype. The hybrid electric truck will be propelled by a clean diesel engine mated to an integral generator and electric motor that will allow the engine to operate cleaner and more efficiently than is possible with a conventional mechanical drive train. An on-board energy storage system managed by the propulsion system will provide reserve energy that will reduce transient power demands on the engine and enhance its efficiency and cleanliness. The truck also will employ a regenerative braking system to capture braking energy and recycle it for use by the propulsion system.
FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company, is working with the Alliance for Environmental Innovation to develop a delivery truck that will increase fuel efficiency by 50% and reduce emissions by 90%. The project also aims to demonstrate that environmental improvements to FedEx's current delivery vehicles are economically and functionally viable.
"FedEx is strongly committed to protecting the environment," said Mitch Jackson, director of Environmental Management for FedEx Express. "With our commitment to hybrid-electric vehicle purchases, this project will demonstrate that environmental benefit can go hand-in-hand with good business.""
"BAE Systems has been developing hybrid propulsion systems for urban mass transit for the past several years, and we are pleased at the opportunity to apply our knowledge and experience to the delivery market," said James Scanlon, BAE Systems Controls president. MTA New York City transit currently operates a pilot fleet of 10 buses equipped with the HybriDrive propulsion system and has 325 production units currently on order. In more than 500,000 miles of revenue service, the buses have shown emissions levels much lower than conventional diesel units and on par with buses burning compressed natural gas. Four other U.S. cities also are evaluating the technology, as is the U.S. military.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. With 120,000 people and annual sales of around 13 billion, the company offers a global capability in air, sea, land, and space, with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems, and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 30 states and Washington, D.C. The company is dedicated to solving its customers' needs with highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.
BAE Systems Controls, an operating unit of BAE Systems North America, is a leading supplier of electronic flight and engine controls for defence and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications. It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle market.
Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Santa Monica and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Redmond, Washington.
