Allison Transmission’s X1100-5A3 cross-drive has been selected as the propulsion solution for the Hanwha Redback. This decision comes as part of Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program, which aims to replace the M113 Armored Personnel Carriers that have been operational since the 1960s.
The Redback, Hanwha’s latest tracked vehicle, was chosen as Australia’s future infantry fighting vehicle after competition with several industry leaders. The vehicle, weighing over 40 tons, is equipped with a 30 mm cannon, anti-tank missiles and has the capacity to transport 11 soldiers.
Allison has partnered with Hanwha in South Korea for more than 25 years, said Dana Pittard, vice president for defense programs at Allison Transmission, He noted that Hanwha’s recent activities in Asia, Europe and Africa have positioned the company as one of Allison’s primary global defense clients for both wheeled and tracked vehicles.
Hanwha has incorporated over 4,000 Allison transmissions in different applications for the South Korean Army and other international military partners. Nearly half of these transmissions have been used in the K9 Self Propelled Howitzer vehicles. As the Redback aims to emulate the success of the K9, Son Jaeil, president and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, expressed the company’s intent to target advanced markets such as Europe and Australia.
Penske Australia, an Allison authorized distributor for over seven decades, will be responsible for servicing the X1100 cross-drive transmissions. This local servicing, set to begin with the Redback’s initial delivery in 2027, is expected to offer considerable time and cost benefits for the Australian Defence Force.
