BAE Systems Selects SG 850C Automatic Transmission For Next Gen Bradley Fighting Vehicles

BAE Systems has selected the Spanish SAPA developed new SW series of automatic transmission for its Next Generation Bradley Fighting Vehicle demonstrator at AUSA 2016.

SAPA Transmission has developed the automatic transmissions for wheeled and tracked vehicle applications. The SW series of wheeled transmissions is being marketed for use with engines with outputs from 600 hp to 800 hp, IHS Janes reported Thursday.

The SW 516 and SW 616 have eight forward and two reverse gears while the SW 524 and SW624 have 12 forward and four reverse.

For tracked combat vehicles, the company has developed the SG family of automatic transmissions, claimed to deliver more power to the sprocket than conventional automatic transmissions.

The first SG automatic transmission to enter production is the SG 850, which is installed in the second production batch of General Dynamics European Land Systems Santa Bárbara Sistemas Pizarro infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the Spanish Army.

For this application the SG 850 replaces the Renk transmission installed in the original batch of Pizarro IFVs.

Other members of the SG family are the SG 450 for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 20 tonnes, SG 850B for vehicles with a GVW of 55 tonnes, SG 850C for vehicles with a GVW of 45 tonnes, and the SG 1500 for vehicles with a GVW of 70 tonnes. All these transmissions have a total of 32 gears.

These new automatic transmissions provide several advantages. For example, more power is delivered to the tracks by eliminating the hydraulic power transmission systems from the power path in both the propulsion and steering systems.

The transmission steering is controlled by 'steer by wire', which is claimed to provide optimum control of the vehicle at high speed as well as during sharp turns.

The steering system performs differential steering, pivot, and natural pivot.