Dana Pittard, Vice President of Defense Programs at Allison Transmission, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership: “We are honored to continue our collaboration with HST Otomotiv to deliver reliable, durable propulsion solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the defense sector. Our world-class cross-drive transmissions allow vehicles to traverse difficult terrains more efficiently, all while enhancing soldier protection.”
The Allison X1100™ cross-drive transmission is designed for heavy tracked combat vehicles weighing between 45 to 63 tons. With four forward ranges, two reverse ranges, and a robust cross-drive design that integrates both steering and braking into a single compact unit, the X1100-5A4 ensures smooth operation in low engine speeds, often required in demanding defense operations.
As part of Allison’s phase one contract with HST Otomotiv, 10 transmissions were successfully delivered to Türkiye in 2024 for integration into the next-generation Firtina Howitzer. Under the newly signed phase two contract, an additional 32 transmissions will be supplied, with deliveries scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 140 to 160 Firtina Howitzers are expected to be developed for the Turkish Armed Forces.
The new contract comes after the successful completion of phase one operations, which faced production delays due to supply chain issues. The initial deliveries of the Next-Generation Firtina Howitzer began in 2021, with significant delays in motor and transmission supplies pushing subsequent deliveries to 2023. However, following the improvement in diplomatic relations with the United States, deliveries of the Firtina Howitzer resumed by the end of 2023, with estimates suggesting that the number of units in the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory has now reached double digits.
The Next-Generation Firtina (Firtina-II) Howitzer project has seen the successful integration of advanced systems, including the Electric Drive Turret and Barrel Control Unit, the K/M Howitzer Fire Control System, a fully automated ammunition loading system, a propellant conditioning unit, climate control systems, and the SARP Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS). These enhancements mark significant improvements to the Turkish Armed Forces’ artillery capabilities.