AUSA 2019: Collins Aerospace on track for 400 Abrams M1A2 electric generator deliveries by 2021

Collins Aerospace expects to deliver more than 400 Abrams M1A2 battle tank electric generators to the US Army by 2021, a company spokesman said ahead of the ahead of the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference.

Collins Aerospace has delivered more than 250 of its electric generators to the US Army as part of a 2017 low rate initial production (LRIP) contract. This electric generator delivers 50% more onboard power than the vehicle’s legacy system in the same space using advanced magnetics and active load management to deliver 100% rated power throughout the M1A2’s operating range.

Collins Aerospace’s electric generator found in the US Army’s Abrams M1A2. (Collins Aerospace)

Collins Aerospace spokesman Al Killeffer said on 11 October the generator’s official max rated power is 28 kW (28 Vdc @ 1,000 amps) but that the company has operated the generator during testing for short intervals at higher power levels without damage. Killeffer said the electric generator provides the same amount of power, 28 kW, while idle, unlike the vehicle’s legacy power system.

The system also features advanced generator control, diagnostics, and communications features, providing opportunities for health monitoring and predictive health maintenance. Killeffer said the electric generator’s functions are controlled by an advanced digital system, which manages the demands being placed on the generator so that it consistently delivers the amount of power required by the user throughout the vehicle’s operating range.