Cummins and Achates Power to develop advanced combat vehicle engine

Land October 5, 2017

Cummins has announced that it has signed a $47.4 million contract, awarded by the National Advanced Mobility Consortium, to develop and demonstrate a technologically advanced engine for the next generation of US combat vehicles.

The Advanced Combat Engine (ACE) project, led by Cummins Corporate Research and Technology and supported by Achates Power, aligns well with the research and development work of the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

ACE is a key component of the Army’s 30 year strategy to modernise tactical and combat vehicles, with potential for future production configurations being used in the Bradley Family of Vehicles and the Next Generation Combat Vehicle.

The project seeks to significantly improve the performance, survivability, and range of ground combat vehicles while reducing fleet fuel use. Cummins and Achates plan to achieve these targets by cutting heat rejection by 21% versus current Cummins-supplied combat vehicle engines, as well as improving power density by more than 50%, and reducing fuel use by 13%, versus current typical combat vehicle engines.

Wayne Eckerle, Vice President, Corporate Research and Technology at Cummins commented: “Cummins is pleased to partner with Achates Power to employ our technological expertise to create the most advanced combat vehicle powertrains for our Armed Forces.

“We are confident we can achieve significant improvements in mobility, power, range and fuel economy, creating combat vehicles that are safer, faster and have clear advantages in the field. Our technical teams are looking forward to leading a project that can make a difference in the lives of men and women who serve our country.”