The core Cox module is a 4-cylinder, 8-piston, supercharged 2-stroke diesel with a capacity of 3.6 liters that delivers up to 350 hp (261Kw) per module; which can be scaled up or down in capacity and configured in multiple modules, depending on requirement. The engines can be specified in units of 200hp to 350hp, with twin modules of up to 700hp per application drive.

Principle benefits are increased responsiveness combined with reduced size, mass and parts count when compared with conventional diesels of similar power output and improved fuel efficiency and storage safety compared to gasoline engines of similar power output.

Cox Powertrain approached Ricardo at an early stage to provide assistance both in developing the Cox engine concept and in supporting the growth and development of the Cox Powertrain business from a small start-up operation to one capable of taking the fully developed product to market.

Cox Powertrain re-located to secure premises at the Ricardo Shoreham Technical Centre site in 2011 and with Ricardo support, has now successfully completed the detailed design phase. This has included an intensive computer aided engineering (CAE) program using both commercial and proprietary Ricardo software tools, in order to optimize and validate the design to an extremely high level prior to prototype manufacture.

Having concluded the design phase the new MoD contract will support Cox Powertrain and Ricardo as they pursue preparation and further development of the engine in prototype form. The partners anticipate the first fire of the engine will be carried out at Ricardo in February of this year, marking the start of the prototype development phase.

The Cox opposed piston engine concept—the original invention of the company’s founder, former F1 designer David Cox—has been the subject of fully subscribed private investment rounds raising development capital of £6.7 million (US$10.5 million), and has already attracted previous external funding from the MoD to support the accelerated development of its detailed design.

The Cox engine concept is specifically designed for its intended purpose as an outboard power unit, but further variants are already under consideration for military inboard power, civilian marine applications and UAVs.