Balancing Performance and Affordability in Modern Defense Fleets
Modern military forces continuously strive to balance protection, payload, performance, and affordability while ensuring their vehicles are easy to maintain in the field. Laurent Mazeyrac, the European Defense Manager at Allison Transmission, emphasized that in challenging combat conditions, the resilience and torque-boosting features of a fully hydraulic automatic transmission can significantly decrease wear and tear, helping vehicles remain ready for missions longer.
The newest application of the 4040MX cross-drive transmission can be seen in the latest BAE Systems Hägglund’s CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which has begun mass production to meet growing demand. Earlier versions of the CV90 used the X300 series transmission, produced in the UK by Caterpillar Defence.
Over time, the CV90 has become heavier due to the need for enhanced protection, requiring an upgrade in its transmission. The 4040MX, an improved version of the 3040MX, can handle higher torque ratings to accommodate increased vehicle weight and speed. This new transmission features four forward gears and two reverse gears, integrating propulsion, steering, and braking functions into one system. According to Allison, this design also supports future technological upgrades for defense vehicles throughout their lifespan.
The earlier 3040MX transmission was also used in the now-discontinued General Dynamics Land Systems M10 Booker 105mm combat vehicle, of which 504 units were scheduled for delivery to the US Army.
Specialty Series Transmissions
The 4000 series automatic transmissions are known as the Allison Specialty Series (SP), with this designation added after the 4000 model number. The base model offers four forward gears and two reverse gears and is typically paired with a two-speed transfer case. For instance, the 4800SP is used in the ARTEC Boxer 8×8 Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle, which is powered by an MTU diesel engine, with over 2,000 vehicles already contracted or delivered.
In the UK, the Allison 2500SP transmission is featured in the latest Supacat Jackal 3 High Mobility Truck, which is currently in use by the British Army. Additionally, the Italian Astra 8×8 cross-country trucks being supplied to Romania are equipped with the Allison 4700 SP transmission.
Although Allison is based in the United States, it has significant production facilities in Hungary and India, where it manufactures products for both civilian and military markets.
