The Army’s expanding use of drones has intensified the challenge of maintaining power across the battlefield. A particular combat unit is exploring the use of its Light Infantry Squad Vehicles as mobile charging stations.
“Integrating new technology creates growing power generation challenges. The [Integrated Tactical Network]all the soldier-borne equipment, all require batteries that have to be recharged. [Enhanced Night Vision Goggles] require batteries, particularly to use thermals,” said Col. Ryan Bell, commander of the 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team in the 101st Airborne Division, of lessons from an April training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Identifying ways to increase battlefield battery capacity—and understanding how long new equipment endures under varying conditions—remains a persistent challenge for the military.
“As we incorporate more drones…the [Short Range Reconnaissance] and [Medium-Range Reconnaissance] they all have to be charged,” Bell told reporters Thursday.
The unit has equipped its ISVs with inverters, akin to the adapters car owners use to convert a cigarette‑lighter socket into a standard 120‑volt outlet.
“Each squad now effectively operates its own generator without needing to tow a trailer or separate generator,” Bell said.
He noted that greater power is required, such as hybrid generators capable of delivering up to 10 kilowatts, depending on operational needs.
Bell recommended sizing these generators to mount on the five‑seat ISV‑Utility variant the Army intends to field, noting that towing them is less ideal for rugged terrain.
The Senate’s version of the 2027 defense policy bill would authorize multi‑year procurement of the ISVs if the final legislation is adopted.
Looking ahead, we must ensure that future ISVs are employed as power generation platforms for our squads. Utilizing the vehicle as a sustainment platform by mounting commercial off‑the‑shelf racks on the rear has proven very effective,” Bell said.
We are also eager to receive the ISV‑U, which will increase utility lift capacity. A single, common platform across the force will streamline logistics. The utility variant will be invaluable for mission command and for providing power to command posts.
Bell added that the military needs batteries with greater capacity and longer life, which would “reduce the number of batteries you have to charge and carry, because solder load is a real thing.”
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