Rolls-Royce and Fairbanks Morse win LCS propulsion orders

Rolls-Royce reports that it is to supply gas turbines and waterjets for ten Lockheed Martin team Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) — its largest ever marine naval surface ship contract. Each Freedom class LCS will be equipped with two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines powering four large waterjets, enabling the vessels to reach speeds in excess of 40 knots. At 36 megawatts, the MT30 is the world’s most powerful marine gas turbine.

Rolls-Royce is already supplying propulsion equipment on the first two Lockheed Martin vessels and today’s announcement extends this with one firm order and options for a further nine ships of the same design.

The 378-ft Freedom class ships, which are built by Marinette Marine, are powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant, with steerable water jet propulsion.

The diesel component of the package comprises two Colt-Pielstick 16-cylinder PA6B STC engines and engine builder Fairbanks Morse (an EnPro company) has also announced award of a contract from the Lockheed Martin team.

The Fairbanks Morse Colt-Pielstick PA6B STC diesel engines will be manufactured and tested at the company’s facility in Beloit, Wis.,