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.”