Development of a tradespace exploration tool for future hybrid combat vehicles - forecast, tradespace exploration, and analysis
Publish date: 2025-12-19
Report number: FOI-R--5851--SE
Pages: 29
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- Ground Vehicles
- Tradespace Exploration
- Hybridization
Abstract
The Swedish Armed Forces are preparing for the procurement of new combat vehicles, and the development of predictive methods and tools is particularly important to support this process. Ongoing technological advancements are increasing the complexity of the battlefield, extending engagement ranges and accelerating decision cycles. As new technologies are integrated, they impose strict demands on ground vehicles, where weight, volume, and cost must be optimized. Armored fighting vehicles and main battle tanks are to a certain degree consistent in their design; however, it is essential to understand how emerging technical solutions influence vehicle design, core functions, and operational capabilities. Tradespace Exploration (TSE) is a systems engineering method in which digital models and tools are developed and used to generate and evaluate concepts. Throughout 2025, a tool with a focus on the hybridization of ground vehicles has been developed. Hybridization reduces dependency on fossil fuels, enables so-called silent modes, and supports a more stable energy balance between subsystems. It can also provide accessible electrical power for sensors, protection systems, and weapon systems. In the TSE analysis, a military ground vehicle with a hybrid powertrain is modeled, assessed, and evaluated based on defined performance metrics. The developed TSE tool can be used for analyzing a hybridized combat vehicle, and with further model refinement, it can support future assessments.