Cummins Launches New 540 Horsepower L9 Engine

The new 540 horsepower ISL9 offers mobile defense equipment improved engine response time for demanding gradients and tough terrain in challenging climates By Joseph Macey / 23 Feb 2023

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Proven in a wide variety of equipment such as commercial on and off-highway and military vehicles, the ISL9 diesel engine from Cummins Inc. is now available up to 540 horsepower for military ground vehicles.

A lightweight, compact and fuel-efficient engine, the ISL9 is believed to offer distinct advantages to global vehicle manufacturers, with a simplified engine architecture that reduces complexity for ease of installation. For operators, it provides high performance with low operating costs with the added capabilities to run on military grade high sulphur diesel, while offering excellent reliability.

From this knowledge and experience, Cummins has fully optimized the 9-litre engine, increasing power by an additional 20%. Torque capability is also increased up to 1,900 Nm. The optimization of key performance parts, and the integration of Cummins HE500 Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), has been key to achieving this improvement.

The VGT has a patented one-piece sliding-nozzle design which precisely adjusts the airflow delivered to the engine. It combines the benefits of a small and a large turbocharger in a single unit. The sliding nozzle varies the exhaust gas flow into the turbine wheel to provide rapid boost at low engine rpm and then maintain high boost at higher rpm.

The new 540 horsepower ISL9 also offers mobile defense equipment improved engine response time for demanding gradients and tough terrain in challenging climates. The higher power capability allows vehicles to carry a heavier load, more people, more equipment and more armory. The vehicles can do this without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Carlos Gasteazoro-Martin, Defense Segment Leader, said: “Cummins invests heavily in state-of-the-art engineering test cells, balancing key technologies such as combustion, turbocharging, fuel systems and electronic calibrations, which allows us to engineer and develop the best solution for our customers. This has enabled Cummins to develop the ISL9 at a peak power output of 540 horsepower and represents the dependability of the proven L9 platform across all our serving industries. This solution is ideal for our military customers and end-users looking for a reliable, cost effective, and volume efficient solution.”

Find Military Engine manufacturers & suppliers rugged, mil-spec engines for aircraft, military vehicles, tanks and submarines >>

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