Leopard 1 tanks to receive new engine from Rolls-Royce and FFG

Rolls-Royce and FFG are working on the concept of re-equipping Leopard 1 tanks with the new MTU 8V199 engine.

Rolls-Royce stated that this need is dictated by the fact that the German MTU MB838 engine is no longer in production.

In addition to tanks, platforms based on the Leopard 1 will also be switched to the new power unit.

This applies to Wisent 1 demining vehicles, BPz2 armored recovery vehicles, Biber bridge pavers, Dachs engineering vehicles, and Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

The 8V199 provides 800 kW of power, which is 190 kW more than the original engine.

In addition, it is cheaper, lighter, and has longer service intervals and service life.

Many armies cannot afford to replace their Leopard 1 fleet with more modern vehicles, so they must be preserved for long-term use.

Nine countries worldwide still operate 4,700 Leopard 1 units. From 2023, Ukraine also relies on Leopard 1 vehicles and tanks.

It is noted that the MTU 199 series has been tested on many types of military equipment and is used, in particular, to equip Boxer family armored vehicles.

FFG will develop and manufacture the power supply based on the 8V199 mtu, as well as be responsible for the cooling concept and interface adaptation to the overall system.

ZF will also participate in the project, supplying the 4HP250 transmission and providing technical support for the 8V199 engine.

As a reminder, a total of 110 Leopard 1 tanks are to be delivered to Ukraine through the joint efforts of Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.