Rolls-Royce and ZF develop drive system for future European MGCS tank

• Development contract for hybrid drive system for the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS)
• Rolls-Royce Power Systems as general contractor for 1,400+ kW Powerpack with 10V 199 mtu engine
• ZF develops electrified powershift steering transmission eLSG 5000
• Focus on European industrial value creation, reliability and scalability

Friedrichshafen/Germany: The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Rolls-Royce Power Systems to develop the drive system for the European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Rolls-Royce Power Systems and ZF are developing the world’s first parallel-hybrid drive for heavy military tracked vehicles. Preliminary tests show further potential: a newly developed electrified powershift steering transmission with stepless superimposition makes manoeuvres more agile and increases efficiency. A hybridized cooling system also represents an innovation. Together with an adaptively controlled engine, it significantly increases overall efficiency. At the same time, the main drive requires little installation space and has favourable weight characteristics. As a result, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, as general contractor, and ZF, as subcontractor, are contributing to the development of a powerful, efficient, compact and agile combat vehicle. 

“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 and industrial value creation in Europe in the long-term," said Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG.

“With the Main Ground Combat System, the European partner nations are investing in modern defense technology and also in the long-term stability and ability to act of a defensive democracy in Europe,” said ZF Board of Management member Andreas Moser. “We are proud to make an important contribution to a compact and powerful drive module with an innovative, electrified powershift transmission to give the vehicles the necessary mobility and responsiveness.”

Rolls-Royce Power Systems supplies the main drive for the hybrid MGCS powerpack
At the heart of the MGCS drive system is 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 kilowatts (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 optimized 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. 

Electrified powershift steering transmission from ZF
The ZF eLSG 5000 is an electrified powershift steering transmission with a continuously variable superimposed steering system for heavy tracked armoured vehicles. The system combines modern by-wire technologies for drive, braking 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 manoeuvrability, 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.

MGCS: Technology carrier for Europe’s land platforms
The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) is the joint European project of Germany and France to develop a next-generation combat vehicle. The platform is intended to replace the current Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks and combine capabilities for the battlefield of the future – from higher manoeuvrability and integrated sensors to significantly increased energy requirements thanks to new digital systems. MGCS is being developed as a system network comprising vehicle, weapons, command and control and communication architecture as well as new protection concepts. The aim is to create a superior overall platform that raises mobility, survivability and networking to a new technical level.

About ZF

ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.