Ukraine has mastered the repair of engines for M109 self-propelled howitzers according to NATO standards
Kyiv • UNN
The Ukrainian GROUND FORCE has mastered the repair of Detroit Diesel 8V71T engines for M109 self-propelled howitzers using REMAN technology. Each engine undergoes a full cycle of testing on a dynamometer stand.
The Ukrainian production and engineering group GROUND FORCE has mastered the overhaul repair of American diesel engines Detroit Diesel 8V71T, which are installed on certain modifications of the 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems M109. This was reported by Defense Express, writes UNN.
Details
The repair is carried out using the Remanufacturing (REMAN) technology, which is used in the USA and NATO countries. It involves complete engine defect detection, restoration or replacement of worn parts, and mandatory bench testing after assembly.
Each repaired engine undergoes a full cycle of tests on its own dynamometer stand with a capacity of 800 kW, which is one of the few complexes of this class in Ukraine.
Engines are tested according to the manufacturer's methods
Tests are conducted in accordance with the technical documentation of Detroit Diesel. During testing, oil pressure, temperature conditions, engine speed, torque, power, fuel consumption, smoke level, and operational stability under various loads are checked.
After the tests are completed, a protocol with the inspection results is generated. Only after successfully passing all tests is the engine allowed to be installed on a combat vehicle.
For repairs, GROUND FORCE uses original spare parts and OEM components, in particular from the American company Interstate-McBee, which specializes in parts for Detroit Diesel engines.
Demand for repairs has increased due to the transfer of M109 self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine
As Defense Express notes, after the transfer of a large number of M109 self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine from partner countries, the global demand for spare parts for Detroit Diesel 8V71T engines has significantly increased. Because of this, professional restoration of existing power units has become a more economical and logistically advantageous solution than searching for new engines.