Fairbanks to power LCS warship

Fairbanks Morse Engine, an EnPro Industries company, has been selected by the Lockheed Martin Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) team to supply 16-cylinder PA6B sequentially turbocharged (STC) diesel engines for the lead ship in the LCS program, the latest generation of U.S. Navy warships.

The PA6B STC is a state of the art medium speed diesel engine developed by SEMT Pielstick and will operate in a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) plant driving four water jets. The propulsion plant will provide good performance over the range of speeds required for LCS missions, including low speed, high torque performance capabilities essential in littoral water operation.

The engines will be manufactured, assembled and tested to meet the requirements of the latest ABS Naval Vessel Rules at Fairbanks Morse Engine’s facility in Beloit, Wisconsin. The engines for the first vessel are scheduled for shipment to the shipbuilder Marinette Marine in 2005 for installation in the first vessel scheduled for completion in 2006.