21 June 2022
by Sonny Butterworth
The Renk Group is planning to demonstrate a hybrid powerpack by the end of 2022, Janes has learnt.
Speaking at Eurosatory 2022 defence exhibition in Paris, Michael Masur, head of Renk Group's Vehicle Mobility Solutions division, explained that Renk is developing hybrid powerpacks for armoured vehicles in the US and Germany. These powerpacks involve fitting Renk's proven HSWL 256 transmission with a module that is expected to enable it to generate up to 250 kW of continuous exportable energy. This module could be retrofitted to existing HSWL 256 transmissions and used as the basis for next-generation propulsion systems.
According to Ted Trzesniowski, CEO of Renk America, the hybrid powerpacks will be “mild hybrids” focused on meeting demands for offboard power generation rather than providing full-electric drive. Trzesniowski spoke of a “modernisation path” for the hybrid powerpacks that will enable Renk to scale the system to provide more or less exportable power depending on customer requirements and the constraints of the host platform.
When asked about the company's interest in the US Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), Trzesniowski emphasised that they remained open to co-operation with the five prime contractors competing for the programme and are looking to provide their scalable hybrid solutions to the competitors. Trzesniowski also noted that Renk Germany was in the process of transitioning the manufacture of some systems into Renk America, including the HSWL 256 transmission and its hybrid capabilities, in the hope that this will make the company's German products a more attractive choice for the US programmes.
Janes also understands that Renk Group is undertaking parallel work to develop hybrid powerpacks that would be suitable for the next generation of main battle tanks (MBTs), such as the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System.
17 April 2024
by Nicholas Fiorenza
GDELS is offering its new 10×10 Piranha HMC variant for missions including direct and indirect fires, air defence, and tactical bridging. (GDELS)
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) presented its 10×10 Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC) in a press release on 15 April.
12 April 2024
by Nicholas Fiorenza
Australia ordered over 100 sWaTrg Inf heavy weapon carrier infantry vehicles from Rheinmetall on 10 April. (Rheinmetall)
The Australian government signed a production agreement with Rheinmetall Defence Australia on 10 April for over 100 Boxer Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie (sWaTrg Inf) heavy weapon carrier infantry vehicles to export to Germany. The company said in a press release announcing the contract later the same day that it would be Australia's largest foreign military export to Germany.
The vehicles are being procured under a government-to-government letter of intent signed by Canberra and Berlin in March.
09 April 2024
by Olivia Savage
Lithuania is providing its M577 command vehicle (pictured) to Ukraine under a military support deal. (Janes/Patrick Allen)
Lithuania has supplied an undisclosed number of M577 armoured command vehicles to the Ukrainian army.
The vehicles, provided under a military support deal, arrived in Ukraine on 5 April, according to the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) on 6 April.
An MND spokesperson was unable to specify to Janes the number of units supplied for security reasons.
The Renk Group is planning to demonstrate a hybrid powerpack by the end of 2022, Janes has learnt.
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