RENK - Tank Transmission System

RENK is a specialist in the design and production of power transmission systems for military tracked vehicles for more than 30 years, in particular tank transmissions. The company also supplies slide bearings and flexible couplings, test systems, marine gear units, industrial gear units, couplings and clutches for both civil and military applications.

TANK TRANSMISSIONS

A tank's transmission is the heart of its propulsion system. Its mobility depends entirely on the transmission. The transmission for every German Army tracked vehicle was conceived and delivered by RENK, with one exception on the transmission of the Leopard I, where RENK did not enter the competition.

RENK's reputation has led to foreign governments contracting RENK to develop tracked vehicle transmissions, and RENK is also co-operating closely with all leading engine manufacturers worldwide to ensure optimal mobility for tracked vehicles.

Fully automatic transmissions have been developed and manufactured by RENK for all vehicle types such as personnel carriers, tank destroyers, anti-aircraft tanks, howitzers and of course all classes of main battle tanks, covering a power range of 300kW to 1,300kW.

In view of the very specific missions that military vehicles are requested to undertake, an optimal transmission system can be configured from tested and proven assemblies for nearly any application. These assemblies are then integrated in a housing that can be tailored to make allowance for the spaces available in the vehicle.

RENK also designs tank transmissions with future technology in mind. For example, RENK has developed a new range of transmissions for track laying vehicles of all weight classes based on proven sub-assemblies, with the help of computer aided design and finite element calculations together with innovative ideas and the latest technological know-how.

THE HSWL-FAMILY

RENK is in a position to fulfil any requirement in the power range of 150kW to 1,300kW with 18 different HSWL transmission types of proven design. RENK has presently equipped 40 different tracked vehicles worldwide.

The HSWL transmission comprises of:

• Infinitely variable hydrostatic-hydrodynamic steering system
• Combined braking system/friction brake-retarder
• MBTO in excess of 800h, easy maintenance
• Infinitely variable cooling-fan drive
• Variety of 18 different models in service with 40 vehicle types in various countries (10,000 units in service)
• High efficiency (95%)
• Highly developed control electronics and monitoring systems
• Very compact design, high power to weight ratio
• Easy operation reduces driver stress

THE REX – FAMILY (RENK ELECTRIC CROSSDRIVE)

RENK has recently presented a new type of transmissions for track laying vehicles, The Rex – Family (Renk Electric Crossdrive), to an international audience in hardware in their works in Augsburg. 19 nations and 146 delegates were in attendance.

Main features of this all new development are the combination of proven components of the HSWL family and electric motors and generators all combined in a common transmission housing. One of the advantages of the design is the combination of the prime mover with a high power APS system which enables the vehicle to operate limited by the fuel tank capacity only. This split system is very fuel saving thus provides immediate power to the drive system when the need occurs in battle situations. For more information contact us at the address below.

A DVD presenting the system is available on request.