Utah-based Hypercraft and German engine maker DEUTZ AG are expanding their unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) partnership to evaluate hybrid-electric drivetrains, batteries, and energy systems for military platforms.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the companies will examine how DEUTZ’s drive systems could work with Hypercraft’s software-defined UGV architecture. They are also discussing the joint development and commercialization of future platforms.
DEUTZ would bring expertise in engines, hybrid drivetrains, batteries, and power electronics. The agreement also raises the possibility of assembling and conducting final acceptance of Hypercraft platforms for the European market at a DEUTZ facility.
Hypercraft will contribute its vehicle architecture, UGV development capabilities, and access to military customers to help define requirements and test DEUTZ products for the US market.
“Hypercraft and DEUTZ are two companies whose expertise perfectly complement each other,” said Marco Herre, the head of DEUTZ’s Defense business unit. “Together, we will develop innovative and reliable solutions for defense customers globally.”
Building on Razorback
The companies already work together on Hypercraft’s Razorback UGV, which uses a DEUTZ combustion engine.
The new agreement extends their work beyond that existing engine arrangement, though neither firm has announced a hybrid-electric version of Razorback.
Razorback is designed for uncrewed missions including equipment resupply, medical evacuation, and defense against Group 1 and 2 drones.
“Razorback transforms the battlefield by allowing multiple vehicles to interconnect and form local microgrids,” Hypercraft stated.
