11:15 GMT, July 9, 2009 OSHKOSH, Wis. | Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced it has received two contracts from the Office of Naval Research for research of next-generation vehicle technologies.

These contracts will help advance diesel-electric and hybrid-electric drive technologies to improve fuel efficiency and on-board power capabilities. In collaboration with the Office of Naval Research, Marine Corps PEO Land Systems is providing technical and program support for each effort. Work for both contracts is scheduled to go through 2011.

“Oshkosh Defense is a leader in military vehicle technology development and these contracts will further the innovative work we have done for future military fleets,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Building on existing diesel-electric and hybrid-electric technologies will help Oshkosh develop more efficient, powerful and versatile vehicles.”

Under the first contract, Oshkosh Defense will conduct hybridization and repower research efforts for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR). These efforts are targeted to improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and deliver industry-leading exportable power while maintaining the MTVR’s mobility, performance and effectiveness. In addition to integrating a lighter, higher-powered engine and maximizing common intake, exhaust and cooling system components, Oshkosh will incorporate a capacitor-based energy storage system to store energy during vehicle deceleration and idle periods. These advanced technologies will reduce engine and fuel demands during acceleration.

Under a second contract, Oshkosh will develop an advanced and lightweight synchronous generator that can be used on diesel-electric military vehicles. The goal is to reduce the generator’s weight by 40 percent while maintaining the vehicle’s performance and power qualities. A second component of this contract includes the development of a next-generation traction system for improved off-road mobility with increased efficiency of operation.

The Oshkosh diesel- and hybrid-electric drive technologies offer fuel economy improvements over conventional power trains, and provide enough electricity through an on-board generator to power a command center, airfield or city block.