The battlefield is evolving. The rise of loitering munitions, electronic warfare and long-range strike systems is changing how troops strategize and fight. Yet armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) like main battle tanks (MBTs) and armored personal carriers (APCs) remain indispensable on the frontlines.
Today's AFVs must serve as stabilized platforms for turreted weapon systems, integrating everything from turret guns to remote weapon systems (RWS) with precise turret drive systems and reliable actuators. These vehicles need to be robust, efficient and accurate under any conditions. But their effectiveness depends on advanced electromechanical motion architectures that can meet modern combat demands.
Key Motion Considerations for Armored Vehicle Turret Systems
From supporting infantry to delivering decisive firepower across the field, motion design plays a critical role in determining the competitive edge next-generation armored fighting vehicles can deliver. When engineering for the future state of combat, keep these five considerations in mind.
Electrification of Turret Drive Systems
Hydraulic turret drive systems have been utilized in tanks for decades, but they bring weight, maintenance and stability challenges as payloads increase. Electromechanical motion delivers tighter precision, easier integration with digital controls, and a modular path for upgrading turreted weapons systems over time. Understanding this shift is critical for building turrets that can remain accurate, reliable and adaptable throughout the full mission lifecycle.
Responding to a Changing Threat Environment
Tanks now demand just as much protection from above as from the front. Yet defense measures like added armor, remote weapon systems (RWS) and missile launchers only increase mass and complexity. Motion systems need to be faster and more powerful than ever to deliver exceptional accuracy under evolving threats while supporting mobility across the field. Recognizing these demands helps ensure MBTs are effective against drones, top-attack weapons and other emerging challenges.
Speed, Accuracy and Stabilization
Azimuth rotation and gun elevation are crucial to turret effectiveness, but the engineering challenge lies in moving heavy mass with speed and precision. Advanced electromechanical systems deliver smooth motion and stable targeting across rough terrain, enabling accurate fire while the tank itself is on the move. This balance of speed and stability directly impacts mission success — whether supporting infantry, holding ground or engaging at long range.
Long-Term Integration
Main battle tanks remain in service for decades. This means turret drive systems must be designed for sustainable supply chains and long-term reliability, making electromechanical motion a lower-risk choice for integration across successive cycles. Designing with long-term reliability and serviceability in mind helps reduce costly downtime and ensure AFVs stay ready for every mission.
Broader Ground Vehicle Applications
The requirements shaping the next generation of AFVs applies to the full ground vehicle fleet. Land-based missile turrets, SATCOM and radar platforms, and RWS on armored vehicles all demand the same precision, stability and long-term support. Applying these design lessons beyond tanks enables consistent performance and interoperability, strengthening the effectiveness of your entire ground force.
Finding a Strategic Advantage (and Partner)
While electromechanical turret drive systems offer the precision, speed and long-term reliability required for mission success; technology isn’t enough by itself. You need a proven partner who understands ground vehicle innovation and has been on the frontlines for decades.
With over 70 years in aerospace and defense, we are committed to co-engineering solutions that deliver mission-critical performance across a vehicle’s entire lifecycle — with the regional support and rapid production needed. That means lower risk, faster integration and motion that delivers a decisive advantage in the field.
If you're ready to design for next-generation main battle tanks and ground vehicle innovation, we're ready for you. Contact us to learn more about how Kollmorgen can help deliver the right motion to meet your mission.
