mtu Powerpack Xelerate: Hybrid Propulsion System for Land Systems

At Eurosatory, Rolls-Royce Power Systems (RRPS) unveiled the mtu Powerpack Xelerate, a hybrid propulsion system for land vehicles. To meet the rapidly increasing requirements of modern armed forces, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is focusing on mastering highly complex system architectures that network mechanics, electronics, software, and intelligent energy management.

RRPS describes the new “MTU PowerPack Xelerate” propulsion system as a technological milestone in this development, specifically designed for the future German-French Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) main battle tank successor. The integrated hybrid drive delivers 1,400 kW of power: the mtu 10V 199 engine provides 1,100 kW, while ZF’s electrified eLSG 5000 steering and powershift transmission contributes 300 kW. This system exemplifies the strategic intent to secure European technological solutions via a self-sufficient, continental supply chain, thereby preserving technological sovereignty.

New 199 Engine Family

A central technological paradigm shift lies in the so-called “Family Approach” of the new 199 engine family. Instead of developing extremely time- and cost-intensive bespoke solutions for every military vehicle (such as the Leopard 1, 2, or Puma) as in the past, Rolls-Royce now relies on scalability and modularity in 6V, 8V, 10V, and 12V configurations. This Military Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) principle integrates technological components from proven commercial engine families. This not only reduces development costs but also ensures highly efficient spare parts commonality through extensive part sharing across core components like pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts—drastically minimizing the logistical effort of operating mixed vehicle fleets.

Highly Integrated, Hybrid Lightweight Powerpack

In cooperation with ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Rolls-Royce is additionally driving the electrification of land systems forward with a highly integrated, hybrid lightweight powerpack. The system, which compactly combines the engine, transmission, cooling system, and air intake, utilizes electric drives as power and efficiency boosters.

This temporary support optimizes the efficiency of the overall system across all operational phases, particularly during energetically demanding steering maneuvers and cornering. This functionality is controlled via a state-of-the-art 800-volt DC onboard power network.

Operational Benefits

The new mtu Powerpack Xelerate significantly expands the vehicle’s capabilities and increases its operational utility. According to an RRPS press release, it makes the vehicle more agile and directs energy to where it is needed based on the situation. The high power density and electrified components make it possible to reduce the overall weight of the tracked vehicle. At the same time, the drivetrain can be electronically controlled (drive-by-wire).

Hybrid Architecture

Tactically, the hybrid architecture also enables “Silent Watch” mode: the vehicle can operate with the internal combustion engine completely shut down, minimizing both the acoustic and thermal signatures to evade detection.

Despite the deep integration of electronics, the hybrid function primarily serves to increase efficiency and performance and is not designed to be safety-critical. In the event of an electrical system failure, the engine remains fully mechanically operational to guarantee unrestricted mobility and the safe return of the vehicle.

From Innovation to Application

According to Rolls-Royce Power Systems, the mtu PowerPack Xelerate represents the next step toward operational readiness. The newly introduced hybrid powerpack builds on current development work (such as the MGCS program) and transfers the technology from the conceptual phase into a tangible, integrated system solution that will also be of great importance for future programs.

Prototypes are expected within this decade, with a view toward serial application on future platforms starting in the 2030s.

Gerhard Heiming

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