The war in Ukraine has brought to the fore the debate about the use of tanks in modern warfare. While some voices have come to question their validity in the current theatre of operations, given the heavy losses of this material recorded, on the other hand initiatives to develop new models and variants have re-emerged in Europe (Leopard 2A8 of KNDS, KF-51 Panther from Rheinmetall and MGCS in which France and Germany are workingfor example). And now the way is also open to recovering old developments, such as Leopard 1. The companies Rolls-Roycefrom the United Kingdom, and Flensburg Vehicle Construction Company (FFG)from Germany, have revealed that they are working “on a concept for the repowering of the Wisent 1 and the family of tanks Leopard 1 con [el motor] PERSON 8V199”.
He Wisent 1 It is an engineering tank developed by FFG on the chassis of the Leopard 1, initially manufactured by Krauss-Maffeinow part of the German-French firm KNDS.
The new ones PERSON 8V199 will be used with this initiative to replace old engines MB838 that equip these tanks, and which are no longer manufactured.
The proposal by Rolls-Royce and FFG has the support of the German transmission manufacturer ZF. It “offers the opportunity to modernize vehicles in line with current needs, while at the same time improving their performance,” explains the information provided by Rolls Royce.
In the words of the vice president of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Knut Müllerlos “MTU Serie 199 “They have been setting standards in terms of performance, reliability and economy for years.” Müller emphasises that the new 800 kW version “is the perfect drive solution to ensure that the vehicles in the family Leopard 1 can continue to operate efficiently in the future.” In addition, he acknowledges, with this proposal “we are accessing a sales market that will support growth in our strategic commercial segment of public authorities.”
The source recalls that the main battle tank Leopard 1dating back to the 1960s, and special vehicles based on it, such as the armoured recovery vehicle BPz2the armored bridge vehicle Pepperthe armored engineering vehicle badger and the Cheetah“are still in a reliable state.” In fact, they continue to serve a “large number” of users.
“Replacing fleets of Leopard 1 “With more modern vehicles it is not financially viable for many armies, so it is necessary to preserve them for long-term use,” the engine manufacturer explains.
Ukraine to receive at least 155 tanks in total Leopard 1A5 in an initiative by the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark to finance the supply of these tanks, which have been in action for months in the conflict that has been taking place in the country since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
190 kW more powerful than the original engine
The general manager of FFGstresses that the new concept “will be an excellent opportunity for many armies to adapt to the new security situation at a reasonable cost and within a manageable period of time.”
About the aforementioned Serie 199Rolls Royce adds that it has “proven its effectiveness in many types of military vehicles and is known, among others, for the family of vehicles Boxer“. He 8V199he continues, “offers numerous advantages: with an output of 800 kW, the engine is not only 190 kW more powerful than the original engine. It is cheaper, lighter, more economical, has longer service intervals and a longer service life. This saves costs and improves the performance and availability of the vehicle. In addition, there are logistical advantages such as simplified storage of spare parts for the armed forces that already use” these engines from the Serie 199.
All variants
In the initiative announced now, FFG will develop and manufacture a power supply based on the PERSON 8V199 and is also responsible for the cooling concept and interface adaptations to the overall system. The goal is a solution plug-and-play (plug and play) for all variants. This company has extensive experience in updating the versions of the Leopard 1.
Together with ZF, FFG will also be responsible for ensuring the long-term stability and security of supply of the transmission. 4HP250. “To this end, ZF will ensure continuous development of the 4HP250 and will provide technical support for operation with the engine 8V199
”.
