(KYIV, UKRAINE) – A Ukrainian engineering group has mastered the overhaul of American Detroit Diesel 8V71T engines used in M109 self propelled howitzers, applying a repair standard common across NATO countries. The move helps secure artillery readiness as demand for these power units rises globally.
The work is carried out by GROUND FORCE, a production and engineering group based in Ukraine. It uses the Remanufacturing method, known as REMAN, which is standard practice in the United States and among NATO allies. The process involves a complete inspection of the engine, the restoration or replacement of worn parts, and mandatory bench testing after reassembly.
Each repaired engine goes through a full test cycle on the company’s own dynamometer bench, rated at 800 kW. The facility is one of only a handful of such complexes in Ukraine. Testing follows the technical documentation of Detroit Diesel. Engineers check oil pressure, temperature levels, engine speed, torque, power output, fuel consumption, exhaust smoke levels and operational stability under different loads.
After testing is complete, a protocol with all results is drawn up. Only once an engine passes every test is it cleared for installation in a combat vehicle. GROUND FORCE uses original spare parts and OEM components for the repairs. Among its suppliers is the American firm Interstate McBee, which specialises in parts for Detroit Diesel engines.
The need for this capability has grown since partner nations transferred large numbers of M109 howitzers to Ukraine. Global demand for Detroit Diesel 8V71T spare parts has risen sharply as a result. Professional restoration of existing power units has become a more cost effective and logistically simpler solution than sourcing new engines.