Advancing Land Platforms

As a trusted security and defence partner serving customers across more than 40 countries, we understand the critical requirements for equipping defence forces with advanced, reliable, and effective solutions. Our Terrex s5 exemplifies this commitment, offering a hybrid electric variant engineered for network-centric operations, superior mobility, and enhanced survivability.

Meet Cheng Ze Wei, who worked on the hybrid electric variant as Project Chief Engineer. He shared how it could very well become the gold standard for land defence platforms in the near future.

Q: Tell us more about your work.

My job involves engaging with potential customers to discern their needs, preferences, and pain points. Additionally, I conduct market analysis to delve deeper into the industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging market dynamics. This enables me to gain a nuanced understanding of the market’s expectations for our land platforms, which I then share with our development team to create a fitting product that stands out in the marketplace. I also work closely with a team of cross-functional engineers to ensure that our product’s design is robust and built within cost.

Q: How did this innovation come to be?

With the modern battlefield becoming more digitised, smarter systems will increasingly be brought onto land platforms. Hence, we set out to build a Terrex s5 variant that can efficiently power its onboard equipment and systems. To do this, we scaled up our existing 4x4 Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) Kit so that it could be integrated into Terrex s5, our 8x8 land platform. This configuration allows Terrex s5 to generate enough energy to function like a moving generator, powering its various digital systems, payloads, and utilises fuel much more efficiently, making operations more sustainable.

Q: Tell us about your favourite moments working on the HED variant.

During product development, we would conduct regular engagement workshops to keep customers updated while showcasing various prototypes. These were especially memorable, as I got to witness customers’ satisfaction firsthand that they appreciated our innovation as a necessary technology, rather than merely a novelty.

Q: What standout and innovative aspect does this HED variant offer?

By embracing the HED configuration, we had the flexibility to reconfigure the crew stations of Terrex s5, significantly enhancing its user-friendliness for operating various smart systems onboard. This was possible because we no longer needed to cater for a conventional powertrain and drivelines, which limits platform design options. Our innovation in this area could very well establish a precedent for the deployment of crew workspaces and digital systems in future land defence platforms.

Q: How has ST Engineering empowered you in the pursuit of innovation?

To be an innovator, we must challenge ourselves to dream big and embrace bold ideas. It's about having a clear vision and the relentless determination to pursue it. But more than anything, innovation thrives in the right environment, surrounded by a diverse and supportive team. I am fortunate to have found exactly that at ST Engineering, with amazing teammates and seniors who have supported and inspired me throughout, making innovation possible.