Rolls-Royce at Eurosatory: mtu Series 199 and PowerPack Xelerate

Rolls-Royce landed at Eurosatory with two aces up its sleeve to reaffirm its leadership in defense technologies. mtu PowerPack Xelerate parallel hybrid system is made by the engine, transmission and electrical power system form a highly integrated complete system. The hybrid powerpack combines the mtu 10V 199 engine with ZF’s eLSG 5000 electrified manual gearbox and achieves a system output of over 1,400 kW.

Power Density as a Plus in the Battlefield too

The high power density and electrified components allow for greater flexibility in vehicle integration. This has a positive effect on the vehicle’s architecture and makes it possible to reduce the total weight of tracked vehicles to the level of the MLC 60 class – which corresponds to around 54 tonnes. At the same time, the drivetrain can be controlled entirely electronically (‘drive-by-wire’) and is thus ready for future vehicle concepts, including unmanned ones.

Andreas Görtz, President of the Mobile & Sustainable Business Unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said at the launch on Monday 15 June at Eurosatory in Paris: “With the mtu PowerPack Xelerate, we are launching an integrated propulsion system that effectively combines the growing demands for energy, power and efficiency. It embodies a clear systems-based approach – featuring intelligent hybridisation, high power density and proven robustness.” 

The unveiling of the hybrid powerpack was attended by high-ranking representatives from the worlds of politics and industry. Alongside Andreas Görtz and Dr Andreas Strecker, Chief Financial Officer at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Jens Lehmann, Member of the German Bundestag, also attended the presentation at Eurosatory.

Xelerate at Eurosatory: The Push of Rolls-Royce Power Systems

With the mtu PowerPack Xelerate, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is taking the next step towards operational readiness. The hybrid powerpack now unveiled builds on current development work (such as the MGCS programme) and takes the technology from the concept phase into a tangible, integrated system solution that will also be of great significance for future programmes. The first prototypes are expected later this decade, with the prospect of series production in future platforms from the 2030s onwards.

• The mtu 199 series is evolving into a comprehensive powertrain platform for military land vehicles;
• With 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-cylinder variants, it will in future cover a power range from 260 to 1,350 kW;
• Rolls-Royce Holdings plc: Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.

Where is Eurosatory held?

Eurosatory is held at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, in Villepinte near Paris, France.

What is the MGCS Programme?

The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) is a project launched in 2017 by Germany and France, aiming to replace their current Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks.