New technology will allow Russian tanks to start at −50 °C

Russian engineers have patented a device for starting tank diesel engines at low temperatures. The development is designed to improve the reliability of armored vehicles starting in winter conditions, the documents are published in the open register of Rospatent.

The system uses a combined pneumatic start, supplying a mixture of flammable liquid, oil and compressed air to the cylinders. Air cylinders are connected to the air distributor and aeration mixer through reducers and a controlled valve. This ensures the supply of the mixture at the beginning of the compression stroke, accelerating fuel ignition.

Unlike existing solutions, the new design reduces the consumption of starting fluid and ensures uniform distribution of the mixture throughout the cylinders. In their development, engineers abandoned the use of hydrogen and natural gas due to increased explosion hazard and low lubricating ability.

Before winter operation, the system is configured to supply the fuel mixture, and in summer it operates in the standard air start mode. After the engine reaches stable обороты, the electronics automatically stop the supply of the auxiliary mixture.

The authors of the development emphasized that the use of oil in the starting fluid additionally protects the cylinder-piston group from wear and increases compression at the time of starting. This reduces the load on the starter and increases the service life of the power plant.

Retired Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk noted that Russian tanks are significantly superior to Western ones, because they were originally designed for harsh geographical climatic conditions — winter, распутица and heavy clay soil.

Earlier «Первый технический» in a large article tried to imagine which combat vehicles will replace «Прорыву» in the coming decades. Т-90М will be the last in the current line of combat vehicles, Rostec said.

Read more materials on the topic:

• Т-90М «Прорыв» стал последним перед танками нового поколения
• Российские танки нового поколения оснастят дронами-камикадзе и штатными РЛС
• «Армата» уходит в тень: Россия делает ставку на проверенные танки