| Millenworks LUV | |
| Origin: | USA |
| Type: | Utility Vehicle |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Designer: | Rod Millen[1] |
| Design Date: | 2007 |
| Manufacturer: | MillenWorks |
| Length: | 5.21 m (205in)[2] |
| Width: | 2.29 m (90in) |
| Height: | 2.03 m (80in) (nominal) |
| Crew: | 1+4 |
| Armour: | A & B level armor kits |
| Primary Armament: | Remote Weapon Station |
| Engine: | Steyr Motors M16 VTI Combat 2x Brushless permanent magnet motors |
| Engine Power: | 215 hp, 400 ft.lbf 400 ft.lbf each |
| Transmission: | (rear) Eaton Autoshift 6 speed Semi-automatic transmission (front) Klune-V 2-Speed gearbox |
| Payload Capacity: | 1814 kg (4000 lb) |
| Suspension: | SLA using semi-active Magneto Rheological dampers with ride height control |
| Clearance: | .46 m (18in) (nominal) |
| Speed: | 122 km/h (76 mph) |
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.[2] Textron Marine and Land Systems will use the platform for further development of component technologies.[3] The vehicle was a possible Joint Light Tactical Vehicle candidate, but was not selected.[1]
The LUV has a very revolutionary 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.[4] Eliminating the driveshaft also allows for greater ground clearance, which combined with a V-hull design, improves survivability from land mines, 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-frames are identical, along with interchangeable suspension corners, which reduces the number of required spare parts. The throttle, braking system, and steering are all x-by-wire control systems.[5] [2] The driver sits in a centered position, similar to Rod Millen's Pikes Peak race cars and the McLaren F1.[1] It is transportable by C-130, CH-47, and CH-53.[2]