Defense
MTU engines in demand for light military vehicles
Not simply
lightweights
So-called light tracked and wheeled vehicles are getting heavier and heavier.
So much so that they now need more power reserves. But it’s no easy task
producing an engine with the right amount of power for such vehicles. MTU
supplies bespoke units for the job in the shape of the Series 106 and 199.
As a result of technical advances, light military
vehicles have put on a considerable amount of
weight. To begin with, it’s to do with their protective systems, but it’s also because of recently
developed new equipment that now has to be
carried by the vehicles.
charger, sump, intercooler and others are also
individually integrated to suit the client’s requirements. As well as the demand for the smallest
possible dimensions, engine performance is
always an essential factor in view of the upward
trend in vehicle weights.
The MTU Series 106 and Series 199 offer power
outputs ranging from 160 to 530 kilowatts and
represent the ideal engine solution for this type
of vehicle. “Most of the time we don’t supply an
off-the-peg engine,” stresses Knut Müller, Head
of Defense at MTU. Components such as turbo-
Enhanced armor and protection. For the 20
to 30-tonne vehicles, weight-saving design was
the prime consideration up to now. But that concept has now given way to the current demands
of the military forces. Today many of them no
longer deploy unarmored vehicles in combat
zones. Experience in Iraq, Afghanistan and other
volatile regions has shown that the risk of attack
by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that endanger the lives of service personnel is too great.
Comprehensive protection is therefore the most
important consideration. Because of the threat
levels, vehicles are now more heavily armored
and provided with additional protection against
mines. But more armor means more weight.
Added to that are new tactical and technological
requirements that pay no regard to vehicle size.
The soldiers in action rely on the vehicle being
able to carry all the equipment they need. In addition, items such as reconnaissance devices and
auxiliary electronic equipment are indispensable
in a modern military vehicle. The consequence
is that the vehicle weights have increased by well
over ten percent in some cases – and that a
higher-powered engine must therefore be chosen.
The Piranha V sets new standards with its power-enhanced MTU 6V 199 engine and starter/generator.
The Husky mine detection and clearance vehicle is produced in South
Africa and used successfully by countries such as Canada and the USA
to protect troops and vehicle convoys. Its motive power is provided by
an MTU Type 6R 106 engine producing 150 kW.
«the Protective
measures and technical equipment make
vehicles more than ten percent heavier in some
cases, and that demands higher-powered engines.
»
MTU Report 02/10 I 47
1
1
2
Defense
1, 2 Since 2009 the Fuchs armored personnel carrier has been undergoing trials in the United Arab Emirates where it has been exposed to extremes of climate and terrain.
Fortunately the MTU Series 106 and especially
the Series 199 can offer engines with sufficient
reserves even for such escalated demands. The
South African Husky is an example of an agile
vehicle for which MTU supplies a compact power
unit in the shape of the Type 6R 106. It is used,
for instance, by Canadian and US forces to protect personnel and vehicle convoys in Iraq and
Afghanistan. With its 150-kilowatt Type 6R 106
engine it is untroubled by rough terrain or steep
gradients. Tognum subsidiary MTU South Africa
has sold several hundred engines for the mine
detection and clearance vehicle to the manufacturers DCD Dorbyl in Johannesburg.
2
1 The Fuchs armord personnel carrier is an extremely versatile
multi-purpose vehicle.
2 The vehicle is powered by the new MTU 6V 199 engine producing
456 hp (335 kw).
Versatile: The boxer. The Boxer multirole armored vehicle (MRAV) can be transported rapidly
by plane to any deployment zone. Its 530-kilowatt (720-hp) 8-cylinder engine makes the 33tonner highly agile and capable of a top speed of
103 kilometers per hour despite its weight.
Powerful Fuchs. The Fuchs armored personnel
carrier used since the 1970s is a highly versatile
vehicle. The standard version serves as a troop
transporter. The Fuchs is an example of how
military vehicles have been constantly modernized over their long service lives of at least 30
years. Along the way they are provided with new
functions and more protection, so that they need
more powerful engines. Whereas the engine fitted
48 I MTU Report 02/10
in the earliest versions was an OM 402 capable
of 320 hp, the latest power unit is a Type 6V 199
delivering 456 hp (335 kilowatts) and substantially greater reserves.
Technical highlights of Piranha V. An advanced
development offering plenty of technical highlights, especially in powertrain terms, is the
Piranha V wheeled vehicle. Once again, the aspect of greater protection and the consequent
heavier vehicle weight plays a significant role.
Motive power is provided by a power-enhanced
430-kilowatt Type 6V 199 engine. The power
increase from 400 to 430 kilowatts represents
2,200 Nm of torque from its diesel engine and
the starter/generator, the Piranha V sets new
standards in its class.
With the Series 199 engines, MTU is ideally
equipped to meet the demands of future military
vehicle missions. Providing comprehensive advice
and support on the design of new vehicles or the
repowering of existing vehicles, the company is
ideally qualified to meet the needs of all clients
looking to install maximum performance in the
minimum of space.
«vehicles
Protective measures and technical equipment make the
more than ten percent heavier in some cases, and
that demands higher-powered engines.
»
an outstanding engineering achievement. “We
exploited every bit of the basic engine’s potential,” Knut Müller relates. The Piranha V is also
the first wheeled military vehicle in the world to
use a starter/generator. The starter/generator
produces an electrical output of 120 kilowatts
which supplies all the vehicle’s electricity requirements. Due to the demand for more electronic
equipment on the vehicle, the need for electrical
energy is greater as well. In terms both of the
Wolfgang Stolba
To find out more, contact:
Wolfgang Ladner
wolfgang.ladner@mtu-online.com
Tel. +49 7541 90-2073
MTU Report 02/10 I 49