New applications for Danish world-class cooling technology
Posted on 2015-04-23
Since 1921, the family-owned company Nissens Cooling Solutions in Horsens has been producing world-class cooling systems for the automotive industry and other civilian applications. But Nissens is about to break into a whole new industry sector: high performance, high reliability cooling systems for military vehicles in cooperation with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS).
Nissens and General Dynamics European Land Systems recently signed a contract for the development of a customized and innovative cooling system for a next-generation wheeled armored vehicle variant of the PIRANHA family. The project entails the development, integration, testing and subsequent manufacturing by Nissens of cooling systems for potentially 1.000 vehicles over the next 5 years.
“We are proud to have been selected by General Dynamics European Land Systems as their partner for the development of the cooling technology for the APC program. The projects will significantly strengthen Nissens’ research and development capabilities in Horsens, where we will employing new engineering resources and have already expanded our testing facilities for this project funded by General Dynamics”, says Alan Nissen, CEO of Nissens A/S.
The project is divided into four distinct project phases, involving enhancement of research and development capabilities for the development of radiators, charge air coolers, hydraulic oil coolers and transmission oil coolers; integration and full-scale testing of an engine cooling system; serial design including prototype design modifications and finally the supply of the engine cooling systems.
Nissens will deliver the first prototype of the system this spring working closely with GDELS-MOWAG in Switzerland, GDELS’ global Center of Excellence for Power Packs and Drivelines already installed in over 12.000 PIRANHA vehicles delivered worldwide.
“We are excited to enter this cooperation with Nissens, which has vast and proven experience in development, design and manufacture of cooling solutions for highest demands. We are investing in comprehensive technology transfer and advanced equipment to enable Nissens to complete the development and provide a unique opportunity for them to enter the global defense market and benefit from GDELS’ global supply chain network”, says Jens Bauer, GDELS Senior Director International Business & Services, responsible for Industrial Cooperation.
With regard to the acquisition of new Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) for the Danish Army, GDELS has signed Industry Cooperation agreements with 40 Danish companies of all sizes and have identified projects in excess of 3,7 billion kroner covering all of the technology areas defined in the Danish Government’s Defence Industry strategy.
Two additional projects with Nissens have already been submitted by GDELS to the Danish Business Authority for pre-approval: The development, integration, test and manufacture of advanced cooling systems for GDELS PIRANHA 3+ and PIRANHA 5 of which the latter is one of two GDELS candidates in the Danish APC tender. An important effort taken by GDELS to establish Nissens as a leading provider of cooling systems for military land based applications in the global market.
“We have already received preapproval from the Danish Business Authority for projects valued at approximately. 1,1 billion kroner, which means they will immediately contribute to creating jobs and growth in Danish industry as soon as the final government decision is made. We have additional projects worth more than 1 billion kroner in the pipeline at the Business Authority for pre-approval”, says Jens Bauer.
“GDELS believes in partnership and keeps pursuing its innovative long-term industrial growth strategy which creates sustainable business and future export opportunities for our Danish Industry partners. That makes the real difference to a project specific blue print production model”, finally says Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President International Business & Services.
About GDELS
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) is a business unit of US based General Dynamics Corporation and conducts its business through European operating sites located in Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Czech Republic. For the past 20 years GDELS has delivered hundreds of PIRANHA, EAGLE and DURO armored vehicles to the Danish Army. GDELS´s Industry Cooperation programs have generated almost 1,7 billion kroner of revenue for Danish industry out of which 700 million kroner have been generated on a purely commercial basis. Partnerships with and assistance from GDELS has enabled Danish industry to access General Dynamics Corporation´s vast network and has created new technology development, export and employment opportunities. Long-term GDELS industry partners in Denmark include Falck Schmidt Defence Systems, Terma, Nissens and TenCate. For more information about GDELS visit www.gdels.com