Ruston increases power range

Ruston has introduced a 280mm bore engine range with outputs up to 9MW (12,230 bhp) at 1,000 rev/min. This compares with a continuous fast ferry rating of 7,080kW (9,625 bhp) for the existing 20RK270.

Designed to provide an alternative to gas turbines for fast ferries of 120m and above, the RK280 has a 330mm stroke, fuel consumption of 190 g/kWh, and power density of 4.5 kg/kWh. It will be available in 12, 16 and 20-cylinder versions producing 5,400, 7,200 and 9,000kW (7,340, 9,790 and 9,625 bhp) respectively.

Prototype testing is underway, and production versions should be available from 2001. It is currently unclear whether the new engine will replace the RK270 – the new owner, MAN, will make this decision.

Ruston plans to increase the output of the RK215 and take the speed to 1,200 rev/min.