Army Demonstrates Stealth Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle at Indy 500

CERV image courtesy of U.S. Army

The United States Army displayed its stealth Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV) during the first Emerging Technology Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of a lead-up to the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 race. 

The Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) demonstrated the CERV with its advanced hybrid electric powertrain, developed by TARDEC and alternative energy company, Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW).

Several years ago, the Army developed CERV’s predecessor, the Military Aggressor, a fuel-cell hybrid electric alternative mobility vehicle (AMV) used in surveillance, reconnaissance and target designation operations. The CERV is the newer generation of stealth vehicles with top speeds of 80 miles per hour and the ability to climb 60 percent grades. Using Quantum’s Q-Force all-wheel drive diesel hybrid-electric technology with a light-weight chassis, the CERV reduces fuel consumption by up to 25 percent compared to other comparable vehicles. And not only will the Army’s “greenest” vehicles save taxpayer dollars, it will also save soldier’s lives.

Emerging Technology Day

Innovative and renewable technologies were front-and-center during the event at the Speedway. Other events including the 2011 Formula Hybrid International Competition,  the 2011 Purdue evGrandPrix  and the American Solar Challenge, also took place during the inaugural Emerging Technology Day.  

TARDEC, headquartered in Detroit, is the nation’s lab for “advanced military automotive technology” and “develops, integrates and sustains the right technology solutions for all manned and unmanned Department of Defense ground and combat support systems.” Quantum was named the 2010 Company of the Year by CleanTech OC.