Density Diesel Engine To Power Military Assult Vehicles

DETROIT, May 10 -- Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) has been awarded a contract from the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) of the U.S. Army to develop and demonstrate a high power density diesel engine for possible use in the Army's new Future Combat System (FCS). The value of the award is $9.7 million. Work will begin immediately and run for 24 months.

For this effort, DDC is teamed with MTU, a world leader in engine technology for combat vehicles. Both DDC and MTU are part of DaimlerChrysler Powersystems Off-Highway. The program objectives are to deliver two demonstrator engines that can meet the Army's aggressive objectives for power density (six sprocket horsepower per cubic foot of total installed volume) and be suitable for combat vehicles up to 20 tons in weight. Two primary objectives of the development phase are to have the engines in production quickly and to utilize proven technology.

With over 100 years of combined military experience, the DDC/MTU team will build upon three generations of proven combat vehicle engines to create a totally new, fourth generation, combat vehicle diesel engine. The design parameters have been demonstrated in the U.S. Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle program that features a V12, MT883 diesel from MTU. The new Army engine will be a V6 with ratings up to 750hp. Its compact size and system oriented design concept make it a state-of-the-art engine.

"This engine is ideal for the new, smaller vehicles envisioned for FCS," said Tedd Grulke, Vice President - Government Sales. "The reduced size and weight support the Army's air transportability requirements, which is key. The new vehicles will replace the current fleet of Abrams and Bradley combat vehicles."

Grulke continued, "The Army currently plans to field the new Future Combat System in 2010. If selected for production and fielded as planned, the DDC/MTU engine will be sold into thousands of new vehicles throughout the first half of this century."