Collins Aerospace brings proven, more electric aerospace technologies to Abrams M1A2 with new generator to help enhance survivability, reliability
- Collins Aerospace generator delivers 50 percent more onboard power than legacy system as part of the Army’s M1A2 SEPv3 upgrade
- Generator’s design derived from company’s proven electric power aerospace applications
- More than 250 units shipped to date under contract received from General Dynamics in 2013
WASHINGTON (Oct. 14, 2019) – Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced that it has shipped more than 250 of its electric generators to the U.S. Army for the Abrams M1A2. The generators are part of a contract Collins Aerospace received from General Dynamics in 2013, which calls for the company to deliver more than 400 generators through 2021. As part of the Army’s System Enhanced Package version 3 (SEPv3) to improve the M1A2’s performance and extend its service life, Collins Aerospace’s generator delivers 50 percent more onboard power than the vehicle’s legacy system in the same space, enhancing the tank’s survivability and reliability.
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 state-of-the-art 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.
Collins Aerospace derived the M1A2 generator’s design from its proven electric power applications for aerospace, leveraging intellectual property from systems currently flying on several different platforms.
“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 U.S. 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 powertrains for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, Collins Aerospace looks forward to continuing to work with the Army to support its electric power needs.”
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com.
About United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.
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