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Series 53 Engine
Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) has supplied over 80,000 6V-53 engines throughout the world for powering the M113 family of vehicles, from the initial diesel rating of 212 horsepower, to the RISE engine at 275 hp.
Now a higher power density engine is available at 350 horsepower providing over one horsepower per cubic inch displacement for future M113 modernization.
The Affordable Solution
As vehicle capacity and payload demands increase, the upgraded M113 platform provides an affordable solution for applications up to 36,000 pounds. Battlefield mobility characteristics will not be sacrificed as the 6V-53, 350 horsepower engine will allow heavier M113 derivative vehicles to meet or exceed the mobility of the Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicles.
 
Benefits of the 350 HP
Mobility -- This rating provides 20 horsepower per ton for vehicles weighing up to 36,000 pounds. Peak torque of this 2800 rpm engine is 770 lb-ft at 1600 rpm.
Durability -- The added aftercooler provides cooler, denser air for the combustion process which reduces cylinder temperatures for longer life. Another key durability feature of the Series 53 is crosshead pistons. This patented design features separate crown and skirt components that work independently of each other. The crown absorbs combustion.
Commonality -- The limited number of component changes from the 275 horsepower engine allows the 350 horsepower engine size to remain the same, with a limited impact on provisioning data.
Performance -- Glow plugs eliminate the need for the current air box heater and allow the engine to start at -25°F within 30 seconds after a 35 second preglow. The glow plug head is interchangeable between the A1/A2 and A3 engines.
Reliability -- Permanent thermal wrapping reduces exhaust component skin temperatures by over 450°F allowing for cooler engine compartment temperatures. The wrapping is impervious to diesel fuel and hydraulic fluids and the wrapping process seals all openings to prevent these fluids and water from attacking metal surfaces from under the insulation.
Emission Development -- DDC is currently developing the 6V-53 turbo aftercooled engine to meet the 1996 Off-Road Emission Standard.
 
Technology Insertion for 400 HP
DDC has initiated a development program to raise the 6V-53T to a new technology level. With the adaptation of the current DDEC III electronic system and intercooling, the 6V-53T aftercooled 350HP engine will be upgraded to 400HP.
This new level of horsepower of over 1.25 HP per cubic inch displacement will allow vehicles to achieve added weight while still meeting or exceeding the mobility and speed of other lead vehicles on the battlefield.
 
Specifications
ENGINE MAX BHP(KWH) @ RPM TRACKED WHEELED
6V-53N 210(157) @ 2800 M113A1 and A2 Family 5 Ton Truck Cascavel, Urutu USAF Hyd. Test Stand
6V-53TA 225(168) @ 2800   P25 Firefighting Vehicle
6V-53T 265(198) @ 2800
275(205) @ 2800
300(224) @ 2800
AIFV and Mark I
AMX13, M113A3, M730A2, M24
Retrofit, S Tank
M551 Sheridan
LAV, Piranha, AVGP
Verne Dragoon, Super
Cascaval, Urutu
6V-53TA 350(261) @ 2800 MTVL USAF 60K Loader
6V-53 DDEC 400(298) @ 2800 Several Pending Several Pending
 
Detroit Diesel Electronic Controls (DDEC)
The major componentsof the system consist of the electronic control module (ECM), the electronic unit injectors (EUI) and the various system sensors. The purpose of the sensors is to provide information to the ECM regarding various engine performance characteristics. The information sent to the ECM is used to instantaneously regulate engine and vehicle performance.
Engine Protection System
Costly engine damage can be avoided with the engine protection features. The ECM will begin the protection process when it recieves a signal from the oil or coolant temperature, oil pressure, coolant level sensor or two additional vehicle sensors advising it that an operating condition is out of specification. Each sensor can be programmed for shutdown, rampdown, or warning.
Glow Plugs
To improve cold weather startability, DDC developed a glow plug system which assures unassisted cold starting down to -25°F. The system consists of a controller, wiring harness and individual glow plugs for each engine cylinder. This system has consistently allowed us to achieve bare engine test cell cold starts at -25°F within four seconds of starter engagement.
Insulated Exhaust Components
Thermal wrapping of the external engine exhaust components can reduce radiated heat to the engine compartment, improving engine performance and increased durability/reliability. DDC has released new thermal wrapped exhaust components using an advanced technology CMD-1987 material. Testing has demonstrated an external wrap temperature reduction of 850°F from an exhaust gas temperature of 1100°F.
Charge Air Cooling System
Advanced technology, high efficiency cooling systems play an integral part in meeting the overall future combat vehicle requirements for fuel economy, engine efficiency and overall vehicle performance. In order to reduce the temperature of turbocharged intake air for optimized combustion, Detroit Diesel is utilizing aftercooling and intercooling.
 
Market Applications
For over 50 years, Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) has been the market leader for heavy duty diesel engines in military applications around the world. Our goal, ever since the assembly of the first Detroit Diesel engine, has been to provide the highest quality, durable, reliable, and maintainable engines available in the industry.
No other engine in today's Army is more combat proven than the 6V-53. Most recently, the engine's outstanding reliability was again proven during Desert Storm powering Marine Corps LAV's and U.S. Army M113A3 vehicles. Another advantage is the logistic commonality Series 53 provides to the military.
Series 53 is also a popular choice in vehicle repowers/upgrades and ground support equipment around the world.
DDC's Series 53 is currently assembled in Emporia, Kansas. This modern facility also has the capability to remanufacture engines to the latest standard at a competitive price. Over 700 U.S. Army 6V-53 engines have been remanufactured to date.
New Applications
In addition to the successful M113, LAV, Dragoon and Turkey Armored Combat Vehicle programs, new 6V-53 programs have been awarded by the U.S. Navy for the P25 Onboard Fire Fighting Vehicle and the U.S. Air Force 60K Aircraft Loader.
Modernizing For The Future
From a base of over 80 thousand 6V-53(T) engines powering M113 Family of Vehicles throughout the world, DDC is applying the latest technology to Series 53 to meet customer needs into the 21st century.
DDC's recent achievement of the 400 hour NATO certification test of the 6V-53TA at 350 BHP utilized aftercooling, improved flow fuel injectors, glow plugs and insulated exhaust components.
 

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