This is the engine Rolls-Royce wants the Army to use for its Bradley replacement

One of two contenders to be the replacement for the Army’s M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle will be powered by a Rolls-Royce engine. 

General Dynamics Land Systems Wolf XM30 will run on the MTU 8V 199 engine, a representative for Rolls-Royce confirmed to Task & Purpose. The MTU 8V 199 builds on the company’s Series 199 engines, which have been used in other modern military vehicles, such as the M10 Booker.

“The variant of the 8V 199 used in XM30 is a new model variant with increased displacement and power versus the M10,” the Rolls-Royce representative wrote in an emailed statement. “The power requirement is higher on XM30 due to increased weight and performance targets.”

The engine uses a pump-line nozzle fuel system instead of a common rail, with the intention of increasing durability and making maintenance easier. The MTU 199 series of engines comes in 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-cylinder arrangements, with the Wolf XM30 using the 8V engine, the representative for Rolls-Royce told Task & Purpose.

“The increased displacement on this variant coincides with the development and introduction of the 10V and 12V configurations that are being introduced for heavier vehicles, including main battle tanks,” the Rolls-Royce official added. “With this strategy, we will have a common platform and interchangeable parts across multiple vehicle platforms within a given brigade.”

The Army Just Received Its Two Bradley Replacement Contenders

On Sept. 1, American Rheinmetall delivered the first Lynx XM30 prototype — the other competitor seeking to replace the Bradley. General Dynamics Land Systems delivered its first Wolf XM30 prototype on Aug. 21.

A total of 8 vehicles are expected to be delivered from each company so they can be evaluated by soldiers. As Task & Purpose previously covered, the XM30 will be expected to detect and kill enemy fighting vehicles from beyond their effective range, and preserve enough space, weight, and electrical power for future upgrades. The Army also wants it to work alongside drones, which the Bradley has recently been seen riding around with. 

To accommodate those drones and other future tech, the Army also required a modular, government-defined open architecture so new weapons, sensors, and software could be integrated without the original manufacturer controlling every upgrade. This could also help “future-proof” the XM30, so it isn’t obsolete before it enters service.

Like Rheinmetall’s Lynx, General Dynamics Land Systems’ Wolf carries two crew members and six infantry, with an unmanned turret holding the XM913 50mm cannon. It also uses a hybrid-electric drivetrain and is expected to incorporate active protection, advanced sensors and 360-degree situational awareness. One major difference is its additional weapons package: the Wolf has integrated AeroVironment’s Switchblade 300 loitering munitions rather than the Coyote offered on Lynx.

If General Dynamics Land Systems’ Wolf is selected, the MTU 8V 199 engine would be manufactured at Rolls-Royce’s facility in Aiken, South Carolina. 

UPDATE: 10.9.2026; This article was updated after publication with additional information about the MTU 199 series of engines from a Rolls-Royce representative.