Renk France promoting 350S Powerpack for Malaysian Army PT-91M MBT upgrade.

At DSA 2018, being held in Kuala Lumpur from April 16-19, is promoting its newest Powerpack 350S for the Malaysian Army PT-91M Main Battle Tanks upgrade program, a company representative told Army Recongnition. 

Renk France's Powerpack 350S at DSA 2018

The Malaysian Army took delivery of 48 PT-91M MBTs from Bumar Łabędy between 2007 and 2009. The MBTs were modified to integrate several advanced systems, such as Sagem Savan-15 fire control system, Thales communication systems, and Dhiel Defence tank tracks.

RENK France offers the replacement of engine and transmission. It should be noted that these components are incorporated in the unified node designated as Powerpack 350S. It includes the DI16 diesel engine by Scania and the ESM350 transmission by RENK. The engine has a nominal output of 1,200 h.p. The aforementioned powerpack provides the maximum road speed of 60-70 km/h and a backing up at a speed of 4-33 km/h. The clutch and transmission brake control valve linkage has been replaced by a steering wheel, while the control system has retained both pedals. These nodes and components drastically increase the cross-country capability of T-72 and T-90 tanks.

According to Renk specifications, the Powerpack 350S system is intended for T-72, T-90, M-84, and PT-91 MBTs, as well as for the vehicles that have a combat weight of 40-55 t. It features a powershift transmission with eight speeds forward and four speeds reverse, an electronically controlled gearbox that can be used in either manual or fully automatic control mode, a generator drive, an air compressor drive, and a fan drive with fully digital speed control. The transmission of Powerpack 350S has a dry weight of 1,800 kg, while the DI16 engine has a dry weight of 1,340 kg.

The PT-91 tank is powered by the S-12U diesel engine developed by the PZL-Wola S.A. Mechanical Works company. The V12 engine has a power output of 820 h.p. and a weight of 980 kg.

RENK France, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Renk AG, member of MAN SE Group is also an important service provider to the French armed forces, servicing all transmissions of the French Leclerc MBT and AMX-30B2 fleets.