The new hydrostatic drivetrain with energy storage increases the performance of the vehicle and the protection for its occupants while significantly reducing the costs of procurement and operation.
Drivetrain Concept
Main Battle Tank
| Weight |
45 to |
45 to |
| Speed |
62 MPH |
100 km/h |
| Travel |
500 miles |
800 km |
| L / W / H |
32`x 11.5`x 7.9` |
9,75 m x 3,5 m x 2,36 m |
| Hull |
24.3`x 7`x 3.8` |
7,4 m x 2,14 m x 1,16 m |
| Power train |
Engine |
Motors (18) |
| Power |
1.000 kW (1,360 hp) |
10.080 kW (13,700 hp) |
| Weight |
304 kg (670 lbs.) |
1.160 kg (2,250 lbs.) |
| Dimension |
125 x 36 x 71 cm (49" x 14" x 28") |
ø20 x 32 cm (7.9" x 12.6") |
| Energy storage |
18 MJ (408 hp•min) |
18 MJ (300 kW•min) |
The hull of the vehicle contains the very compact Free-Piston Engine and the hydraulic section of the accumulators. The energy storing compressed nitrogen gas is located in separate sections of the hull. Multiple walls and the high pressure of the gas (up to 7,000psi/480 bar) improve the protection for the occupants. Compared with modern battle tanks, the new powertrain provides significantly more interior space and less thermal stress, while reducing the size and weight of the hull noticeably.
The high efficiency of the engine and complete recuperation of braking- and damping energy (suspension, cannon) reduce the fuel consumption by more than 40%. The low heat radiation of the FPE and external motors reduce the required cooling by more than 75%. Operating the vehicle with stored energy allows for a driving distance of 1 to 4 km (0.6 to 2.5 miles) and a significant reduction in heat and noise radiation.
The tracks are driven by continuously variable hydraulic motors with a planetary gear stage. The motors and accumulators are sized to provide the maximum torque during braking and the capacity for storing the recuperated energy. The driving performance is high and the control through the individually driven wheels very effective. Electronically controlled dampening cylinders at the wheels enable an active control of the suspension, leveling, and recuperation of dampening energy. The ability to drive without tracks result in a significant increase in redundancy, operational range, and maximum speed. The reduced forces within the track minimize their weight and maintenance.
The pictures show the vehicle with the main drivetrain components in full scale. The engine and motors above are described in greater detail in Section: DRIVETRAIN.
Copyright Valentin Technologies