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In August of 1982, the US Army Tank-Automotive Command (TACOM), initiated the first phase of the Advanced Integrated Propulsion System (AIPS) program by awarding six design analysis contracts. The AIPS program is aimed at competitively developing and producing a power package for application to the future heavy combat vehicle weight class. This paper reviews the purpose, schedule, target goals, and acquisition strategy of the AIPS program. The AIPS development differs from past programs in several ways. Technically, the engine, transmission and other subsystems will be designed and developed together as a totally integrated propulsion system. With regard to management of the program, the Government is examining acquisition strategies with the intent of insuring competition throughout all phases (research, development, and production) and achieving the simultaneous qualification of two production sources. The final acquisition strategy has yet to be determined.

Modern natural gas-to-liquids (GTL) conversion processes (Fischer-Tropsch liquid fuels (FTL)) offers an attractive means for making synthetic liquid fuels. Military diesel and jet fuels are procured under Commercial Item Description (CID) A-A-52557 (based on ASTM D 975) and MIL-DTL-83133/MIL-DTL-5624 (JP-8/JP-5), respectively. The Single Fuel Forward (single fuel in the battlefield) policy requires the use of JP-8 or JP-5 (JP-8/5). Fuel properties crucial to fuel system/engine performance/operation are identified for both old and new tactical/non-tactical vehicles. The 21st Century Truck program is developing technology for improved safety, reduced harmful exhaust emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced cost of ownership of future military and civilian ground vehicles (in the heavy duty category having gross vehicle weights exceeding 8500 pounds).[1]

This paper describes the approach taken by the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), Tank-automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center's (TARDEC) National Automotive Center (NAC) to attain practical fuel cell applications for military ground vehicle auxiliary power. This discussion covers the reasons for wanting military vehicle fuel cell Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), their potential role in the Army Transformation, the complications of applying fuel cells in military vehicles, concepts for military vehicle fuel cell APUs, and the NAC's commercial partnership strategy for fuel cell APU development.