FNSS KAPLAN HYBRID Break Cover at IDEF
FNSS introduced the new version of its KAPLAN-10 Armored Combat Vehicle, integrated with a hybrid powerpack, at the IDEF 2023 16th International Defense Industry Fair.
The Hybrid Powerpack development project began in 2021 at the FNSS R&D center. FNSS has completed the assembly of the first prototype vehicle, and activities for the development and improvement of control software are ongoing. The project aims to commence critical validation tests by the end of 2023. With this project, FNSS aims to develop an indigenous hybrid powerpack solution that can be integrated into future tracked vehicles, including modernization projects.
During the launch ceremony, FNSS General Manager & CEO K.Nail KURT stated that they aim to provide a reliable alternative solution for tracked vehicle transmissions, which are largely dependent on foreign suppliers and have a limited number of producers. KURT mentioned that they aim to resize the Hybrid Powerpack for different weight tracked vehicles in the very near future. He pointed out that this solution, developed for tracked vehicles up to 20 tons, could be adapted to new tracked vehicles and modernization programs according to user needs.
"The Hybrid Powerpack serves two important purposes in practice. First, it has strategic importance. Transmissions for heavy tracked vehicles are produced in very few countries worldwide. Although there are efforts in this area in Türkiye, we frequently face embargoes due to the political concerns of Western governments. We aim to overcome this problem with newer technology in transmissions by paying attention to this strategic importance. Silent driving that enables the vehicle's use in combat and reconnaissance scenarios, silent monitoring and surveillance tasks over extended periods, and increased range were our main targets. Our first product in the 20-ton class is KAPLAN HYBRID. We combined the powertrain developed by FNSS, two large electric motors, and battery cooling groups to produce this solution after approximately three and a half years of work. Our next step is to use our Hybrid Powerpack in 30/40-ton tracked vehicles like KAPLAN-MT. After completing the medium weight in 3-4 years, our roadmap includes the possibility of developing a Hybrid Powerpack that can be used in Main Battle Tanks between 60-70 tons without depending on foreign suppliers within approximately the next 10 years," he said.
K.Nail KURT emphasized that they used non-export-controlled commercial equipment in the first prototype of the KAPLAN HYBRID vehicle to make some validations faster. "We used the most commonly available and reliable commercial products in our first prototype to make some validations faster. They are not subject to any export license. We also work with local solutions for electrical motors, including battery systems. Either an alternative exists, or it is under development. Additionally, electric motors provide incredibly high torque, making the KAPLAN HYBRID vehicle accelerate much faster than diesel-engine vehicles. For example, while our diesel-engine KAPLAN STA vehicle reaches from 0 to 32 km/h in 9-9.5 seconds, we reduced this time to 5.5 seconds with KAPLAN HYBRID. This capability will be a very important opportunity for the survivability of vehicles on the battlefield. The Hybrid Powerpack also provides a significant advantage in terms of fuel consumption. There is a 10% increase in total range compared to diesel powerpacks. The average range in a diesel powerpack is 550km, while the vehicle's range can go up to 650km with a hybrid powerpack. Moreover, the vehicle's battery thermal management system allows all batteries to operate under desired conditions at -32 to +49°C."
FNSS General Manager & CEO K.Nail KURT also said that using the Hybrid Powerpack for ACV Modernization is also considered. "We have received questions from our users about the Hybrid Powerpack for the ACV Modernization Project. There is even a possibility of having the Hybrid Powerpack in the 3rd batch of APC modernization. This product could be a new solution for APC modernization; we can do it with an entirely new powerpack. This is important because, in the current modernization, we are using existing powerpacks. This is not an ideal solution, but budget constraints have directed us this way. If a new powerpack can be applied in APCs, I want to emphasize that there will be significant advantages to the hybrid powerpack."
