Rolls-Royce Introduces High-Powered Hybrid V10 Engine At Eurosatory Military Expo

Rolls-Royce Holdings, an independent business from the automotive division, has unveiled a new hybrid V10 with 1,475 horsepower. Whoa, hold on a second. Rolls-Royce Power Systems' MTU Series 199, of which the new engine is a member, is the best-selling engine series for military vehicles in its class. The series already comprises six- and eight-cylinder units.

Rolls-Royce unveiled the new V10 in concept form at the Eurosatory military trade expo. Though the company has not disclosed the V10's horsepower, they have demonstrated its diesel power and its potential for upgrades with hydraulics, air compressors, and generators.

Christian Wolf, chief of development for military engines and systems at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said that the company is already working on a 1,609 hp variant on top of the present 1,475 hp version. Rolls-Royce has integrated a battery-electric powertrain into the V10. Hybrid systems not only increase power but also make military vehicles' powertrains easier to hide.

An example of this would be the use of the diesel V10 to charge the batteries, which could then power the vehicle's electrical systems—all without leaving a visible or audible thermal imprint. The hybrid system's utility extends beyond low speeds. A military vehicle relies on acceleration and the ability to drive at high speeds, both of which it improves.

Wolf explained that this motor idea will expand the operational possibilities of future tracked armored vehicles in a way that was previously hardly imaginable. “We are convinced that we are making an important contribution to the further development of the defense capabilities of NATO and its allies. For the first time, vehicle manufacturers will be able to realize completely new vehicle concepts, whereby the hybrid concept can in principle be implemented with any engine series from the MTU military propulsion program.”