Raytheon Company has been awarded a contract from the Office of Naval Research to develop next-generation hybrid tactical generator technology for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Through the Hybrid Dish/Engine Expeditionary Generator (HyDE-2G) program, ONR aims to save at least 40 percent on fuel costs compared with those of diesel fuel generators typically used to support expeditionary operations today.

Forward deployed warfighters rely on generators to power everything from coffee pots and radios, to radars, computers and more. These generators require fuel, and delivering diesel is an expensive and often dangerous undertaking; convoys offer highly visible targets. The Marines hope to enlist hybrid power generation and solar energy to reduce risk exposure and fuel costs.

"Delivering fuel to remote locations, whether transported over land or through the air, is expensive and puts warfighters at risk," said Joe Biondi, vice president of Advanced Technology for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business.

"Through the HyDE-2G program, Raytheon will help the Marines reduce operational costs and manning; minimize logistical vulnerabilities; and, most importantly, safeguard our warfighters."

The HyDE-2G program, part of ONR's Renewable Sustainable Expeditionary Power (RSEP) program, will develop a hybrid tactical generator based upon dish/stirling concentrating solar thermal power generation technology.

In addition to the core benefits of risk and cost reduction, there are incidental and significant environmental benefits: greener power generation ensures more efficient use of energy, as well as quieter and more reliable operations.

This solution will draw upon Raytheon's extensive experience in developing advanced power generation, conversion and control systems for demanding tactical environments.

The program is expected to last two years to demonstrate key technology elements, with potential follow-on, full-scale prototype development. Raytheon's team includes Infinia Technology Corporation (Kennewick, Wash.), ILC Dover (Frederica, Del.) and Thermacore Inc. (Lancaster, Pa.). Work for this contract will be performed by Raytheon's IDS business at the Surveillance and Sensors Center in Sudbury, Mass.