Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Cummins ISL9 achieves new 536HP rating for defence applications

Defence Events

Cummins ISL9 achieves new 536HP rating for defence applications

Cummins has announced that its ISL9 diesel engine is now available up to 536 hp for fast response defence applications

Displayed on Cummins stand at the DSEI show, the ISL9 is already proven in a wide variety of equipment such as armoured vehicles, military trucks and infantry fighting vehicles manufactured by OEMs worldwide. 

“Cummins invests heavily in state of the art engineering test cells which simulate the harsh conditions the engine is exposed to in theatre. Balancing key technologies such as combustion, turbocharging, fuel systems and electronic calibrations allows us to develop the best solution for our customers. This has enabled us to develop the ISL9 engine to a new peak power output of 536hp for military use,” said Nigel Chisman, Defence Marketing Manager.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Cummins ISL9 is a light weight, compact and fuel efficient 8.9 litre engine. It offers distinct advantages to global vehicle manufacturers, with a simplified engine architecture that reduces complexity for ease of installation. For operators it provides high performance with low operating costs and excellent reliability with less parts that could fail.

The ISL9 has developed a strong reputation in automotive, construction and mining use. Cummins has drawn on the knowledge and experience gained from these markets to fully optimize the 9 litre engine, increasing power by 34%.  Torque capability is also increased up to 1,900 Nm.  The optimization of key performance parts and the integration of Cummins HE500 Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) has been key in achieving this improvement.

The VGT has a unique patented one-piece sliding-nozzle design which precisely adjusts the airflow delivered to the engine.  It combines the benefits of a small and a large turbocharger in a single unit.  The sliding nozzle varies the exhaust gas flow into the turbine wheel to provide rapid boost at low engine rpm and then maintain high boost at higher rpm.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“With the new 536hp rating Cummins offers improved engine response time for demanding gradients and tough terrain in challenging climates.  The higher power capability allows vehicles to carry a heavier load; more people, more equipment and more armoury on the vehicle. All without experiencing a reduction in power and speed,” added Chisman.

Wellingborough based Cummins UK supports Cummins engines and generators in operation through aftermarket parts and service support.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

Defence

UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

24 March 2026

UK military personnel will be put through their paces as part of a new diplomacy training programme, upskilling specialists in negotiation and languages as part of the UK's first Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched today. 

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

Defence Security

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

24 March 2026

Counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solutions provider, DroneShield, today announced interoperability between DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control software and optical sensing technologies from OpenWorks Engineering.

Fiona Walters takes over as Serco’s UK & Europe CEO

Defence Security Space

Fiona Walters takes over as Serco’s UK & Europe CEO

24 March 2026

Fiona Walters has taken up her role as CEO of the UK & Europe division of Serco, having joined Serco in September 2025 from G4S, where she was Regional CEO for the UK & Ireland, leading a team of more than 30,000 people.

GKN Aerospace delivers upgraded RM12 engine to Swedish Armed Forces

Defence

GKN Aerospace delivers upgraded RM12 engine to Swedish Armed Forces

24 March 2026

GKN Aerospace has successfully delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
FNX Ventures invests in Sentinel Photonics

Defence

FNX Ventures invests in Sentinel Photonics

24 March 2026

Sentinel Photonics, a UK defence technology company specialising in laser detection, prevention and intelligence, has secured investment from European venture capital firm, FNX Ventures.

Spectra launches GENSS production version

Defence Space Events

Spectra launches GENSS production version

23 March 2026

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, has formally launched the production version of GENSS at the Satellite Show.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner