A system for providing mechanical and electrical power in a vehicle or other engine-driven platform includes a first engine having a first power rating and a second engine having a second power rating that is less than the first power rating. The system further includes a first generator (for example, an alternator) for generating electrical power for a load operation (such as vehicle propulsion), and a second generator (for example, a DFIG) for generating fixed frequency electrical power; both generators are operatively connected to and powered by the first and/or second engines. The first and/or second engines may be selected to power the first generator for generating power for vehicle propulsion or another load operation depending upon situational power requirements of the engine-driven platform.