Cox Powertrain, Ricardo receive MoD development contract for opposed piston outboard engine concept

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed additional funding for the further development of a novel high-performance, lightweight diesel engine for marine outboard applications on rigid inflatable boats used by the Royal Navy.

Originated by Cox Powertrain, and now being taken to prototype stage in partnership with Ricardo, the engine concept is based on a supercharged, two-stroke diesel opposed piston architecture with a Scotch Yoke crankshaft and a central injector position. According to the company, this topology promises a power-to-weight ratio comparable with high-performance gasoline engines, while delivering diesel fuel consumption rates and a package volume around half that of a state-of-the-art diesel engine.

NATO armed forces are increasingly mandating the use of a single heavy fuel across multiple defence applications under the so-called Single Fuel Policy (SFP). This strategy is being followed to reduce the logistical challenges of supporting multiple fuels in theatre, as well as avoiding the safety risks to personnel associated with the use of gasoline in hostile situations.

A key operational requirement in relation to small craft, alongside weight savings, is the removal of gasoline engines across the NATO fleet by 2015 coherent with SFP; for reasons of fuel safety, theatre logistics and mission flexibility.