quote:

Originally posted by SgtJSPaul:
RE: http://www.military.com/featur...15240,192053,00.html

I'm not sure if this is feasable, but the concept of a very small, separate self-powered generator to run the systems outside the engine compartment might be a very beneficial proposition, in that it would be possible to shut down the main engine of the vehicle, but have the small 'pony' engine running an 800 - 1,000 amp source which would run all commo (etc.) and keep the main batteries charged, as well as providing main-engine starting power in the event of failure of the batery in a combat zone. The pony engine should have manual-start capability. This might probably extend the range of patrols, as it could save fuel expended in long-term main-engine idling to provide for commo and outside power needs, when a much smaller pony engine could do the job... ??
It would also reduce the needed size and power requirements of the main engine generator.