US Army Selects AVL to Develop Advanced Combat Engine

AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. (AVL) announced today that it has been awarded a $17 million project by the National Advanced Mobility Consortium to collaborate research and development work with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) for development of an opposed piston, two-stroke Single Cylinder Advanced Combat Engine Technology Demonstrator. AVL and its worldwide affiliates, (AVL Worldwide), have developed over 260 clean-sheet engines over the last decade. This project is the latest of various high-technology focused programs that AVL has undertaken for the United States military over the years. The work will be performed at AVL's Plymouth, Michigan facility.

"The trust the U.S. Army continues to place in AVL as a strategic technology partner is especially gratifying," said Don Manvel, AVL Americas Chairman. "We are honored to be able to serve the courageous men and women of the armed forces in this capacity."

Although AVL has developed advanced engine technologies for use in various applications, this project is unique in that it focuses on developing a modular, scalable engine offering very low heat rejection, high-power density, increased fuel efficiency and other performance attributes required for dedicated military applications. It is expected that the capabilities resulting from this project will form the blueprint for the next generation of U.S. military combat powertrain applications.

"Current military engines have set a high standard for reliability and durability," said James Labonte, AVL's Director of Business Development. "The prospect of developing the standard for the next generation – and doing so from the ground up – is exhilarating."