Cummins reveals future of defence power vision at MSPO 2018
The Cummins team will highlight three key areas; the higher powered ISL diesel engine, the AMMPS rugged mobile generator and advanced diesel and electric concepts.
Garry Talbot, Sales Leader for Cummins Defence, said: “The defence industry is looking for higher power from equipment drivelines to carry heavier loads; more people, more equipment and more armoury on the vehicle.”
Cummins has launched the lightweight, compact and fuel-efficient ISL9 engine, which has a new peak power output of 540 horsepower for fast response military vehicles. This has increased from 400 horsepower, reflecting an increase of over 30 percent. It has been achieved by optimising key components including the Cummins HE500 Variable Geometry Turbocharger to boost power and response. The ISL9 offers distinct advantages to global vehicle manufacturers, with a simplified engine architecture reducing complexity for ease of installation. For operators, it provides higher performance with faster response, low operating costs, excellent reliability and high availability.
“In addition to vehicle power, we see the need for easily accessible rugged power generation capability for operational flexibility,” continued Talbot.
Cummins AMMPS power generators are available from 5-50 kW. With a rugged design, these units are deployed to support military operations, powering contingency and forward operating bases, command outposts, and command and control centers. The AMMPS Advanced Digital Control System provides microgrid capability for increased fuel savings, benefitting troops on active duty around the world. As the industry leader, Cummins offers the widest range of diesel and gas generator models for military use.
Looking to the future, a model of the Advanced Combat Engine (ACE) will make its debut at the show. A powerful, advanced technology diesel engine, currently under development for combat vehicles by Cummins Corporate Research and Technology, supported with Achates Power. Using an opposed modular piston design, the ACE unit is expected to deliver up to 1,000 horsepower from a four cylinder version and 1500 horsepower from a six cylinder version.
In addition, Cummins staff will discuss the latest electric product released at the recent Intermat show in Paris. It is expected the Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) driveline will be suitable for a wide range of military equipment in the near future, offering a balance of battery power with a compact engine-generator. The system uses overnight charging to power the battery pack, allowing up to two hours of operation per 35 kWh battery enclosure. The batteries are modular and available in multiples, depending on the need for electric only operation. When the battery drops below 30%, the Cummins F3.8 powered generator recharges it.
The generator uses a high-efficiency traction motor which provides continuous torque of 1,850 Nm, eliminating the need for gear shifting and dramatically reducing powertrain noise. An instant peak torque boost up to 3400 Nm is available when the
vehicle hits challenging conditions.
“Cummins is investing $500 million in electric powertrain development. We will have full battery and range extending capability in our product portfolio alongside our clean diesel and natural gas engines. The REEV is the most suitable for the majority of military vehicles, where setting up a charging infrastructure would be challenging,” concluded Talbot.
