Rolls-Royce and FFG, supported by ZF, are jointly developing a concept for repowering the Wisent 1 AEV and Leopard 1 MBT family with the 800 kW MTU 8V199 engine. (Rolls-Royce)
Rolls-Royce and Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) plan to deliver and test a new powerpack for Leopard 1-based platforms in 2025, the companies have told Janes. A Rolls-Royce spokesperson told Janes on 6 September that the MTU engine for the prototype was scheduled to be delivered during the first quarter of 2025, with testing planned for the third quarter of the same year.
8V199 advantages
Rolls-Royce announced in a press release on 4 September that it and FFG, supported by transmission specialist ZF, are jointly developing a concept for repowering the Wisent 1 armoured engineer vehicle (AEV) developed by FFG and the Leopard 1 main battle tank (MBT) family with an 800 kW version of the MTU series 199 engine: the 8V199.
The press release listed among the advantages of the 8V199 that it is 190 kW more powerful than the original engine; it is cheaper, lighter, and more economical; and it has longer service intervals and a longer service life, saving costs and improving vehicle performance and availability. Moreover, there are logistical advantages such as simplified storage of spare parts for armed forces already using series 199 engines, according to Rolls-Royce.
The company spokesperson said, “The 8V199 consumes about 200 g/kWh at maximum power. This makes it around 20% more fuel efficient than the MB 838. In addition, with a dry weight of 1,272 kg, it is nearly 700 kg lighter than the MB 838 [engine that currently powers the Leopard 1 family].”
Vehicle family
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