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I believe, the fusion reactor powers the diesel engine, which is the form of propulsion. The fusion reactor also powers the Maximus' shields, life support, etc.
Char is correct - the Maximus itself runs on fossil fuels and various other resources because it doesn't need more than the diesel to propel it. The fusion is meant to supplement. In particular, the reason for this design is probably to account for the reality that the Maximus will get hit at some point. Engine knockouts are extremely common in tank battles so having the reactor means that if the Maximus loses its engine, it's not dead immediately - rather it can draw on its stored power for emergency situations and give it a fighting chance. That and the fact that using the fusion PURELY for the shielding and such means that if the shields go out then the engine doesn't stop when it tries to recharge it with full power.It is a not so recent trend in the military R&D sphere to have batteries and diesel. Its mostly a maritime thing but has crossed over in some cases for armor (Not that ive seen many in theater personally. And never tanks, Just saying. The germans have a leopard concept tank on the platform tho, Dunno if they ever did trials tho.)
The diesel charges a battery bank of considerable size and power, Not unlike a submarine does, While also offering additional power when it needs to be drawn upon for when the batteries just arent enough.
This, In turn, Gives you more range to operate considering your main powerplant (Diesel) isnt being drawn upon until you need it. And you can just use battery power for things such as driving, Or passively holding territory without starting up the diesel. Its also quieter.
The Maximus is a diesel tank. Its also made to be able to be fueled by other such things like alcohol, Oils, Prob some Vaseline mixed with water and maple syrup and stuff too im sure. It was offset as well with the added reactor to Enhance its capabilities. It can power the tank at the same time as the subsystems if it runs dry, Or outright add to its HP at the same time as the combusting diesel to save fuel and add performance.
(I was in the area and poked my head in, Sorry if im contributing to derailing this submission.)
"However, the Hydra is not a traditional MBT and would suffer if used in the role of an MBT because of design differences." this seems irrelevant to point out.