Rolls-Royce and ZF to develop hybrid drive system for European MGCS tank
The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment has commissioned Rolls-Royce and ZF to develop a hybrid drive system for the next-generation Main Ground Combat System tank.
- over 1,400 kW
- ~1,100 kW
- over 4,500
What Happened
The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment (BAAINBw) has contracted Rolls-Royce Power Systems to develop the drive system for the European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Rolls-Royce, as general contractor, and ZF, as subcontractor, will develop the world's first parallel-hybrid drive for heavy military tracked vehicles. The system includes a new 10-cylinder mtu engine from Series 199 producing over 1,400 kW system output, and ZF's electrified powershift steering transmission eLSG 5000, enhancing agility and efficiency.
First Powerpack prototypes to be tested
Series production possible
“Europe needs a strong and reliable defence architecture to secure its defence capabilities in the long-term. Our propulsion system is a robust and powerful building block for this, designed for current and future mission profiles. It strengthens the operational capabilities of European armed forces, increases operational reliability and, at the same time, helps to anchor technological expertise an”
Why this matters
This marks a major step in European defence collaboration, creating the world's first parallel-hybrid drive for heavy military tracked vehicles, which could enhance performance and efficiency for future combat tanks.
Terms in This Story
- MGCS
- Main Ground Combat System, a joint European project to develop a next-generation main battle tank.
- Hybrid drive
- A propulsion system that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
- Parallel-hybrid
- A hybrid configuration where both the engine and electric motor can directly drive the vehicle's powertrain.
- mtu Series 199
- A family of high-performance diesel engines developed by Rolls-Royce Power Systems for military and industrial applications.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.