AUSA 2019: Collins Aerospace generators deliver more power to Abrams tanks

Collins Aerospace Systems announced during AUSA 2019 that it has delivered more than 250 electric generators to the US Army for its Abrams M1A2 MBTs.

The company received a contract from General Dynamics in 2013 calling for the delivery of more than 400 generators through 2021.

The effort is part of the US Army’s System Enhanced Package version three (SEPv3) to improve the Abram’s perforce and extend life service and Collins Aerospace’s generators delivers more than 50% additional onboard power compared with the vehicles legacy system.

With its increased power, the electric generator helps improve the M1A2’s survivability by enabling the addition of advanced systems, such as laser warning receivers and radio jamming capabilities.

Unlike the vehicle’s legacy system, which did not deliver full power at idle, Collins Aerospace’s generator uses advanced magnetics and active load management to deliver 100 percent rated power throughout the M1A2’s operating range.

In addition, the system boasts enhanced digital capabilities through its advanced generator control, diagnostics and communications features, providing opportunities for health monitoring and predictive health maintenance. For ease of installation, Collins Aerospace also designed the generator to fit in the same space as the legacy system without requiring major changes to the vehicle or its existing electric systems architecture.

‘With decades of experience as the world leader in providing more electric solutions to the aerospace industry, Collins Aerospace is now applying that expertise to ground vehicles to help the US Army warfighter achieve mission success,’ said Kevin Raftery, vice president and general manager, ISR & Space Solutions for Collins Aerospace.

‘As the army continues to explore more electric options for future platforms, such as hybrid-electric power trains for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, Collins Aerospace looks forward to continuing to work with the army to support its electric power needs.’