Is the Air Cooled V12 1050HP 29L Twin Turbo Diesel Engine a Dinosaur ?

[SubLGT]

Renk is still manufacturing them, up to 1500HP, in their AVDS-1790 series.

RENK America Combat Propulsion Systems is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the AVDS-1790 Series Engine, currently used in platforms including the M60, the M88 Recovery Vehicle, and the M48.

For over 60 years, more than 35,000 AVDS-1790 engines have been engineered, manufactured, overhauled and upgraded in Muskegon, Michigan, ensuring the highest quality and reliability to our customers.

AVDS-1790 Series diesel engines are turbocharged, air cooled 12-cylinder, 90 degree Vee configurations. Power ratings range from 750 - 1500 HP. Air cooling for engine cylinders, as well as engine oil, transmission oil, and charge air coolers, are provided by direct drive fans mounted in the center of the Vee.

Extensive use of aluminum components throughout the engine provides a high power-to-weight ratio. The compact design of the AVDS-1790 engine includes individual and easily replaceable cylinders. Overhead valves are used with an overhead camshaft in the top of the engine to facilitate rapid service. Air cooling eliminates the maintenance burden of liquid cooling systems.

The current M88A2 HERCULES 70 ton recovery vehicle is using the 1050HP version of the AVDS-1790, and from what little I have read it has a reputation for good reliability.
But the upcoming M88A3 80 ton recovery vehicle (currently being tested by the U.S. Army) will abandon the air cooled diesel for a liquid cooled 1350HP Caterpillar C32 engine.

Trusted Partner

The RENK Group is a global leader for propulsion and drivetrain technology, providing reliable systems to set vehicles and machinery in motion.

www.renk-group.com

https://www.renk-group.com/fileadmin/Produkte_und_Service/Produkte/Dokumente/Fahrzeugantriebe/RENK_AVDS-1790_en.pdf

M88A2 HERCULES Armoured Recovery Vehicle - Army Technology

The M88A2 Hercules (heavy equipment recovery combat utility lift and evacuation system) is a self-supportive armoured recovery vehicle used in…

www.army-technology.com

M88A3 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicle, United States of America

M88A3 Hercules is a next-generation heavy armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) being manufactured by BAE Systems for the US Army.

www.army-technology.com

At 14:15 in this interesting video is a closer look at an air cooled V12

 

[c502cid]

I sell parts to a division of theirs. They build some wild military vehicles and tanks. If RENK builds it you can count on it performing and not being cheap!

 

[SubLGT]

At 1min30sec into the video, this AVDS-1790 diesel in a M88A2 does not like a cold start at 18F. The earlier engine sound is from the APU charging the batteries.

 

[wpod]

Typical diesel cold start !!