The diesel engine of the latest US military tank is actually assembled in China? And it's even a civilian model. Has American military R&D deteriorated to the point where they can't develop new engine models anymore?
Recently, the US military showcased the prototype of the fourth-generation "fuel-electric" hybrid tank M1E3 suitable for wars in the 2030s. It also demonstrated the power system of this new tank. The C13D diesel engine (developed by Caterpillar, USA) planned for use in the M1E3 was found to have Chinese labels, complying with GB national standards, which suggests it may be assembled in China. Moreover, this type of diesel engine is originally a civilian version, and Americans are trying to use it in tanks, which indicates that the US has completely lost the ability to develop new military diesel engines!
Some people might ask, isn't the M1 series tank using AGT1500 gas turbine engines (see Figure 5)? Why would it switch to diesel engines? Because "fuel-electric" powered tanks mainly use electricity to drive the tank, and the fuel engine does not directly provide driving force but instead charges the battery, similar to today's large numbers of hybrid vehicles. Gas turbines are "fuel guzzlers"! Charging with diesel is much more economical. Furthermore, the gas turbines and diesel engines currently used in Western tanks are both large in size, unsuitable for installation in the fuel-electric hybrid power compartment... Therefore, they had no choice but to use civilian diesel engines.
Caterpillar Company seems not to manufacture or assemble fuel engines domestically in the United States. A large number of 3500 series engines used in heavy trucks and heavy engineering machinery are manufactured by Caterpillar (Tianjin) Company, supplying the Chinese market and returning to the US. There are also heavy engine overhaul plants in Shanghai and Yulin, Guangxi, where old and worn-out engines are overhauled and repaired (commonly known as "technical reconstruction"). The reconstructed engines are as good as new.
The US has always wanted to "decouple" from China and achieve domestic industrialization. However, where else in the US could they find a team of tens of thousands of engineers and manufacturing technicians? They also face problems such as power shortages and outdated and aging manufacturing equipment. These fundamental factors affecting enterprise production are almost unsolvable under the current US domestic environment. Ultimately, core equipment like tank diesel engines can only be imported from China or outsourced for processing.
From the high-purity rare earth materials in the F-35 fighter jet to the latest tank diesel engine (perhaps also including lithium batteries), Chinese companies have been deeply involved. How can they still dream of decoupling? Not imposing restrictions on the US is already a favor!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854797718332419/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.