FFG Genesis Review Podcast

Overview

The GENESIS technology demonstration, which is entirely self-financed, highlights FFG’s inventive capability and convincingly exhibits the company’s know-how in the domains of hybrid drive technology, software development, and electronic control.

The GENESIS complete hybrid technology demonstration was unveiled for the first time by Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG). This is the first 8-ton armoured fighting electric vehicle to have a complete hybrid powertrain, individual wheel speed control, and recovery. According to corporate comments, the shown vehicle is completely operational, with the exception of the 30 mm Kongsberg turret, which has been mounted but not yet attached owing to scheduling restrictions.

Future vehicle initiatives, such as the successor to the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle or the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) as a third-generation main battle tank, should include FFG as a partner and significant technology provider.

The GENESIS is a hybrid electric vehicle that blends a modular vehicle design with hybrid powertrain technology. The power supply system, driving system, driver cabin, and other important control components and subsystems are all housed on the armoured vehicle platform. By adding numerous mission modules to this standardized platform, it may be customized for a wide range of tasks. Two crew members operate the platform (commander and driver).

FFG hoped to position itself as a technological supplier for the future reconnaissance vehicle (FENNEK successor) or the Main Ground Combat System with the presentation of the entirely self-funded research (MGCS). The demonstrator’s development began two years ago by FFG.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The GENESIS War tank is built on the same modular principle as the BOXER, with independent driving and mission components. The former’s propulsion system is diesel-electric, with full installed power of 1,368 kW. The diesel engine is only used to generate electricity for the vehicle’s electrical storage unit, which is also at the front. The eight electric motors in the axles are powered by the stored electrical energy, which transfers up to 15,622 Nm torque to the individual wheels through independent drive shafts. The vehicle’s all-electric drive-by-wire control technology is at the core of the drive.

With the essential know-how established by FFG’s own software department, there is no physical link between the driver’s controls and the wheels. The vehicle is steered in the same manner as a tracked vehicle is steered, by adjusting the torque of the individual wheels. The system, according to FFG, is completely scalable and appropriate for 4×4 or 6×6 vehicles. Individual motors or wheels can be configured to idle if they fail, allowing the vehicle to complete its purpose.

Because the powertrain is devoid of transmission and steering components, there are no expenditures associated with the purchase and maintenance of these parts, which are required in traditional drives. The diesel-electric drive has additional benefits in that it allows for noiseless driving or functioning of the observation and communication equipment when the engine is turned off (Silent Watch).

The ventilation system, which is only required at specific temperatures, and the tire driving noise would be audible sources of noise in this instance, although they would be substantially lower than those of traditional drives. Furthermore, unlike an internal combustion engine, the electric motor has full torque even while motionless, allowing it to track well. EVs can also act as “electricity filling stations” at the same time.

FFG Genesis Range

The Genesis has a cruising range of 40 to 150 kilometers when using electric propulsion. The vehicle’s diesel engine can attain a top speed of 100 km/h and a maximum driving range of 600 kilometers. With a length of 8.25 meters, a width of 2.25 meters, and a height of 2.40 meters, it has a combat weight of 40 tons.

FFG Genesis Mission

For some missions, the large onboard energy storage system can be employed to satisfy quiet watch requirements for lengthy periods of time. A mission can be prolonged for a few hours depending on the power needs of the quiet watch. It is also possible to achieve silent movement over a short distance, allowing the vehicle to go into or out of hostile terrain without being discovered.

With a Kongsberg unmanned turret equipped with one 30mm automatic cannon, the FFG Genesis Technology Demonstrator was designed to be deployed as an IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). It features a three-person crew, including the driver, commander, and gunner, and can carry up to ten infantrymen in the back.

Driving & Safety

The “Drive-by-Wire” control technology lies at the heart of the electric drive system. With the help of FFG software experts, this solution eliminates the need for a physical link between the driver’s controls and the individual wheels. Instead, each wheel’s own speed control and torque variation are used to guide the vehicle.

The expenditures of obtaining and maintaining components that are required in traditional drivetrains are avoided since the drivetrain does not require conventional gearboxes and steering elements. The crew controls and monitors all of the vehicle’s main operations via three multipurpose touch displays.

Several safety systems have been developed to separate the electrical connections between the vehicle’s hull and electrical storage unit in the event of battle damage to safeguard the vehicle’s crew from dangerous electrical risks.

The vehicle’s modular concept makes it reasonably easy to incorporate diverse mission configurations using autonomous mission modules. A wheeled Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) with a Kongsberg unmanned 30 mm turret and a battle compartment for up to 10 infantrymen was on display.

FFG currently plans to thoroughly test the GENESIS in order to learn more about how to construct future combat vehicles.

FFG Genesis Advantages

  • Low acoustic and thermal signature for a silent move.
  • Exceptional performance parameters.
  • Emissions are minimized as a result of the energy-saving cruise (200 kW diesel generator).
  • Future vehicle initiatives, such as the successor Fennek armored reconnaissance vehicle or the Franco-German MGSC, will benefit from scalable drive technology (4×4, 6×6).
  • In a fixed field camp operation, there is an electrical power source for external devices.
  • The modular vehicle architecture provides for a broad range of mission configurations thanks to self-contained missions modules like people carriers, armored medical evacuation vehicles, and mobile command posts, among others.

Genesis Specs

Genesis Specifications
Crew2 + X
length8,25 m
width2,25 m
height2,40 m
Weight (incl. module)40 t
engine power1.368 kW
Peak torque15.622 Nm/wheel
Speed> 100 km/h
climbing ability60% / 30%
Range150 km at 40 km/h (electric)
Travel range600 km at 60 km/h (diesel-electric)
Genesis Specs

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