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

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

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 >>

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Meltio Expands Additive Manufacturing Distribution Network in Portugal

Meltio has announced a new strategic partnership with PrimeOut to expand its presence in Portugal’s metal additive manufacturing market

May 02, 2025
New Mobile Troposcatter Technology Supports GPS Denied Operations

Spectra Group is set to unveil a mobile troposcatter solution enhancing Comtech’s COMET system, delivering high-bandwidth, satellite-independent communications in contested and GPS-denied environments

May 02, 2025
Micropol Expands Tactical Communications Capabilities with New Production Facility

Micropol Fiberoptic is expanding its tactical communications capabilities with a new high-capacity production facility strategically located along Sweden’s E6 highway in Halmstad

May 02, 2025
ALE: Secure Battery Solutions for DoD & Aerospace Systems

American Lithium Energy (ALE) is a trusted provider of secure, high-performance batteries, delivering essential power solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and other high-demand sectors

May 02, 2025
Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
USMC Receives Extended Range MQ-9A Reaper® from GA-ASI

The U.S. Marine Corps has received a technologically advanced MQ-9A Reaper® UAS from GA-ASI, featuring wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear for extended 30+ hour endurance

May 01, 2025

Featured Content

Partnership to Enhance Networking Capabilities for Defense Platforms

Amphenol Aerospace and BotBlox have partnered to distribute and integrate compact, rugged Ethernet hardware for defense platforms, enhancing networking capabilities and accelerating product development for uncrewed and mobile systems

May 01, 2025
Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.