Image source: topwar.ru
The German company MTU is developing a new engine for the heaviest military equipment, including MBT. The promising modification will have a capacity of more than 1,740 hp.
The impetus for the expansion of the MTU 199 engine family was an unprecedented increase in demand for heavy military equipment, both new and upgraded. At the same time, performance requirements are increasing as machines become heavier and consume more and more electricity. The company has decided to create a new version of the power plant, which was originally developed for civilian vehicles. It is currently being installed on such armored vehicles as the Boxer APC, ASCOD and Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, and M10 Booker light tanks.
The promising unit will be used to equip upgraded and new products, for example, the successor to the Leopard 2 tank and the new MBT for the Italian army. It is assumed that the 6V and 8V 199 engines can be dismantled in a short time due to their placement in a quick-change module.
Until recently, the MTU 199 series consisted of four power plants generating from 260 to 600 kW (354-816 hp). A few years ago, the company began work on the 8V 199 variant, which will have a capacity of 800 kW (1090 hp). Also last year, the development of the ten-cylinder 10V 199 became known, which, Depending on the version, it will have a maximum power of 900 to 1100 kW (1224-1496 hp). Recently, another option was announced – a twelve-cylinder 12V 199, which will generate more than 1300 kW (1743 hp).
Image source: topwar.ru
MTU 199 series diesel engines, from left to right: 6V, 8V, 10V and 12V 199
The new engines will retain the architecture of the old 6V and 8V 199. In the 10V 199, the cylinder diameter has been increased from 130 to 135 mm, and the piston stroke from 150 to 156 mm. This expanded the cylinder capacity from 1.99 liters to 2.23 liters. It can be assumed that these parameters will remain in 12V 199. Like their predecessors, the new members of the 199 family will also receive turbocharging with an intercooler and a dry sump lubrication system.
Thus, MTU expands the family of closely related diesel engines with a capacity from 350 to 1750 hp, which can be used on both wheeled and tracked military vehicles weighing from 25 to 70 tons. At the same time, hybrid power plants are being developed, in which the diesel engine is complemented by an electric drive. A demonstration sample of such a system was presented last year.
