RR well positioned to power next generation of USN ships

Rolls Royce has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide MT30 gas turbine engines and water jets for up to two ships of the Littoral Combat Ship programme (LCS), the next generation of US Navy warship.

LCS is being designed and built to improve the US Navy?s operational capability in the littorals, or coastal waters. Rolls-Royce?s selection as the engine and water jet provider for the Lockheed Martin ships leaves it well positioned for the programme.

The Lockheed Martin ship design incorporates two Rolls-Royce MT30 marine gas turbines driving four Rolls-Royce high-speed water jets. The first vessel is due to be launched in December 2006 by Lockheed Martin. General Dynamics will also construct up to two ships for the same class. Both designs will then be subject to further evaluation by the US Navy before production orders are placed. The overall number of ships currently projected for the class is a total of 57.

“LCS is the next generation warship and we?re delighted to help power the future for the US Navy in its defence of the homeland,” said Patrick J. Marolda, President of the Rolls-Royce naval marine business in North America. “In addition to the MT30 gas turbine, this win introduces large water jets and other advanced technology products in support of US Navy objectives.”

Dr Saul Lanyado, President of the Rolls Royce marine business, said, “The selection of MT30 represents another important milestone for our business in North America. We are already providing the MT30 for the US Navy?s DD(X) destroyer programme demonstrator. We are also looking forward to displaying our capabilities as a propulsion system integrator in addition to our ability to manufacture world-class propulsion products.”

The 36MW MT30 is claimed to be the most powerful, cost-effective and efficient marine gas turbine on the market today. The engine has 80% commonality with the Trent 800 aero engine.