JOHNSON CITY, New York — BAE Systems and Caterpillar Inc. have signed a long-term supply agreement to collaborate on an energy-efficient parallel hybrid propulsion system for heavy-duty trucks.
 
Under the 20-year agreement, BAE Systems will integrate the Cat CX family of transmissions into its HybriDrive parallel propulsion system and will establish an aftermarket field services model leveraging Caterpillar’s global service network to support the growing installed base.
 
The parallel system – the latest member of BAE Systems’ HybriDrive family – complements and draws upon the company’s proven HybriDrive series system, currently deployed in more than 3,800 transit buses across the globe. The system, which can improve fuel economy by an average of 30 percent, is designed for heavy-duty truck applications that include refuse collection, construction, pick-up and delivery and utility vehicles.
 
The long-term supply agreement will help ensure a consistent supply of transmissions from Caterpillar, long-term production pricing schedule, a warranty agreement and a field service support model designed to make use of Caterpillar’s well-established global network, according to the two companies.
 
The HybriDrive parallel system is in final stages of development and is expected to be deployed in markets around the world early in 2013.