The ESM500 is a fully automatic transmission for 60t class tracked vehicle. With a power range from 750 to 1200kW, it features five speeds forward and two speeds reverse. It is equipped with a high power braking system with secondary retarder and carbon friction brakes.

The ESM500 is volume produced since 1991 and currently equips the French MBT Leclerc.

Technical characteristics:

• Powerpack design

• Manual and fully automatic power shifting

• Mechanical emergency gear shift system, able to automatically shift two gears forward and reverse

• Torque converter with automatic lock-up clutch

• Infinitely variable hydrostatic superimposed steering system

• Pivot turn and neutral turn on the spot at infinitely variable speed

• Hydrodynamic/mechanical dual circuit integrated brake system

• Secondary side heavy duty retarder for service and sustained braking action

• High power mechanical carbon service brake separately mounted

• Service and parking brake

• Power-take-off for fan drive with fully digital speed control and cut-off