News

Going green! 436th LRS to receive new hybrid truck

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover will be testing a new heavy-duty hybrid electric tractor truck the beginning of May, thanks to the Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office in conjunction with Mack Trucks, Inc.

The test will compare maintenance costs and repairs of the hybrid truck to the current 10-ton tractor at Dover. 

"We're excited about this opportunity," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Adams, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge of vehicle operations control center. "The test will determine how much diesel fuel the hybrid truck will conserve, which would potentially help the Air Force save energy and money."

The 436th LRS Airmen will test the vehicle, which operates with a diesel engine, an electric motor and a battery pack to optimize fuel efficiency.

"The vehicle will be a continually self-charging system," said Tech. Sgt. Jamie Hall, 436th LRS NCO in charge of training and validation office. "The system captures energy lost during breaking and accelerating."

The electric motor draws stored electricity from the battery pack and helps get the vehicle up to speed, where the diesel engine takes over. The battery pack restores energy during braking. This energy, stored in ultracapacitors, is then used in place of diesel fuel.
"During the test, we will closely evaluate hours and mileage used, how much fuel consumption is saved, and the life of the fuel pump and various metric readouts," said Master Sgt. David Plourde, 436th LRS deployment section chief. "Once completed, we will send the results up to leadership and they will make the decision to keep the vehicle after the one-year test."

The base will not be able to make any evaluations until the truck arrives in May, said Master Sgt. Clarence Depass, 436th LRS distribution section supervisor.

"The heavy-duty hybrid program is one way to achieve our goals in increasing capabilities and benefits to the warfighter, while supporting the Air Force's environmental and energy policy requirements by using advanced power technology," said Capt. Robert Morrissette, 436th LRS operations officer. "I have no doubt in my mind that our Airmen will utilize the vehicle to the fullest of its capabilities to accomplish our missions to the best of their abilities, ensuring that it will meet the Air Force mission of the 21st Century."