ZF and Rolls-Royce developing drive system for heavy military vehicles
ZF and Rolls-Royce Power Systems are developing the world’s first parallel-hybrid drive for heavy military tracked vehicles used by Germany and France.
The drive system uses a newly developed 10-cylinder engine from the mtu Series 199 – a high-performance engine designed for extreme load shifting, driving dynamics, special military requirements and the increased electrical energy requirements of future combat vehicles.
With around 1,100 kW of mechanical power, it delivers the majority of the hybrid powerpack’s system output of over 1,400 kW and is working for the first time in a heavy tracked vehicle as part of a hybrid drive in parallel design.
The engine combines modern electronics with the robustness that the battlefield demands. It relies on a particularly robust injection system that is capable of running on multiple fuels and can cope with low-quality fuel.
The 10V configuration is based on a revised platform with optimised combustion, higher power density and improved thermal efficiency.
The cooling system offers reserves for additional electrical consumers. The Military-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) approach taken with the 199 series enables the creation of a resilient and scalable supply chain.
The first Powerpack prototypes are to be tested before the end of this decade, with series production possible from the early 2030s.
The 10V 199 remains closely related to existing variants such as the 8V 199. This technical proximity facilitates logistics and supply chain access. Added to this is the engine’s strong pedigree, with over 4,500 Series 199 engines having proven themselves worldwide.
The ZF eLSG 5000 is an electrified powershift steering transmission with continuously variable superimposed steering system for heavy tracked armored vehicles. The system combines modern by-wire technologies for drive, brake and steering as well as energy recovery in a compact transmission and offers the option of boosting and recuperation.
Its integrated, electromechanical superimposed steering transmission increases the agility and energy efficiency of heavy tracked vehicles. A new, highly efficient fan drive concept increases performance and range by reducing auxiliary consumption losses.
For users, this means more precise maneuverability, more agile handling and significantly simplified operation. In addition, the integrated generator power enables the supply of additional high-voltage consumers and thus improves the operating time, for example in silent watch mode.
The system was commissioned by the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for the European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).