MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle

{{Infobox weapon |name=Millenworks LUV |image= |caption= |origin= USA |type= Utility Vehicle  |is_vehicle=yes  |service= |used_by= |wars=  |designer= [[Rod Millen]]<ref name="DefenseTech-Jeep">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071015021630/http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003781.html Defense Tech: A Little LUV for the Future Military Jeep]}}</ref> |design_date= 2007 |manufacturer= [[MillenWorks]] |unit_cost= |production_date= |number= |variants=  |length=5.21 m (205in)<ref name = "LightUtility-OctPDF">{{Cite web |url=http://www.millenworks.com/html/aboutus/news/MillenWorks%20Light%20Utility%20Vehicle%20Data%20Sheet%20Oct%202007.pdf |title=ThumbsPlus Print Job |access-date=2007-10-12 |archive-date=2008-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120135811/http://www.millenworks.com/html/aboutus/news/MillenWorks%20Light%20Utility%20Vehicle%20Data%20Sheet%20Oct%202007.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> |width=2.29 m (90in) |height=2.03 m (80in) (nominal) |diameter= |crew= 1+4  |armour=A & B level armor kits |primary_armament= [[Remote Weapon Station]] |secondary_armament= |engine=[[Steyr Motors]] M16 VTI Combat <br>2x Brushless permanent magnet motors |engine_power=215 hp, 400 ft.lbf <br>400 ft.lbf each |transmission=(rear) [[Eaton Corporation|Eaton]] Autoshift 6 speed [[Semi-automatic transmission]] <br>(front) Klune-V 2-Speed gearbox |payload_capacity=1814 kg (4000 lb) |fuel_capacity= |pw_ratio= |suspension=[[Short Long Arms Suspension|SLA]] using semi-active [[Magneto Rheological damper]]s with ride height control |clearance= .46 m (18in) (nominal) |vehicle_range= |speed=122 km/h (76 mph) |guidance= }}

The '''MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle''' (LUV) is a prototype testbed for automotive technologies. It was designed and built by [[MillenWorks]] under contract to the [[Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center]].<ref name = "LightUtility-OctPDF"/> [[Textron Marine and Land Systems]] will use the platform for further development of component technologies.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/features/november_07/mdm07_hed.htm |title=JLTV Pathfinders: Hybrid Electric Powered JLTV Concept Vehicles Unveilled |access-date=2007-11-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515234738/http://www.defense-update.com/features/november_07/mdm07_hed.htm |archive-date=2008-05-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The vehicle was a possible [[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]] candidate, but was not selected.<ref name = "DefenseTech-Jeep"/>

==Design== The LUV has a very revolutionary [[Powertrain|drivetrain]] layout. The front wheels of the vehicle are powered by an [[electric motor]] located under the hood, while the rear wheels are powered by a separate [[diesel-electric]] [[parallel hybrid]] consisting of a second electric motor as well as a standard [[NATO]] M16 [[diesel motor]]. This eliminates the [[driveshaft]] common on most [[4WD]] vehicles, and reduces the chances of an IED "mobility kill", since a hit in either the front or rear will not completely incapacitate the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/moderndaymarine |title=Military Videos: Videos, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Marines - Military Times |access-date=2007-10-14 |archive-date=2008-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829195819/http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/moderndaymarine |url-status=dead }}</ref> Eliminating the driveshaft also allows for greater ground clearance, which combined with a [[V-hull]] design, improves survivability from [[land mine]]s, allowing the blast more space to dissipate. The vehicle's other safety features include scalable armor protection and a quick-release windshield for emergency egress. The front and rear [[sub-frame]]s are identical, along with interchangeable suspension corners, which reduces the number of required spare parts. The [[electronic throttle control|throttle]], [[brake-by-wire|braking system]], and [[steer-by-wire|steering]] are all [[x-by-wire]] [[control system]]s.<ref>[http://www.millenworks.com/html/light_tactical_vehicles.htm?&navItemIndex=2 MillenWorks – Driving Innovation]</ref><ref name = "LightUtility-OctPDF"/> The driver sits in a centered position, similar to Rod Millen's Pikes Peak race cars and the [[McLaren F1]].<ref name = "DefenseTech-Jeep"/> It is transportable by [[C-130]], [[CH-47]], and [[CH-53]].<ref name = "LightUtility-OctPDF"/>

==See also== *[[HMMWV replacement process]] *[[Shadow RST-V]] (cancelled) *[[International FTTS]]

==Sources== {{Reflist}}

[[Category:Military light utility vehicles]] [[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Textron]] [[Category:Diesel–electric cars]] [[Category:Hybrid trucks]]