GE To Power U.S. Destroyers

GE’s Marine Solutions said its LM2500 marine gas turbines have been selected to power the U.S. Navy’s new DDG 126 and 127 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

The destroyers are being built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, USA.

“Each of these sophisticated new surface combatants relies on four powerful GE LM2500 marine gas turbines in a combined gas and gas turbine—or COGAG—propulsion arrangement,” said GE’s Brien Bolsinger, vice president, Marine Operations. “We are honored that this reliable gas turbine assists with our country’s national security. The U.S. Navy is the largest customer of GE marine gas turbines that are proudly manufactured right here in Ohio.”

The LM2500 has more than 15 million hours in marine applications as well as another 70 plus million hours in industrial applications. These gas turbines reliably operate for the U.S. Navy and 34 other navies the world over in some of the most arduous conditions.

The LM2500 marine gas turbine is a simple-cycle, two-shaft, high-performance engine with an output of 25 MW. Derived from GE’s CF6-6 aircraft engines, the LM2500 consists of a gas generator, a power turbine, attached fuel and lube oil pumps, a fuel control and speed governing system, associated inlet and exhaust sections, lube and scavenge systems as well as controls and devices for starting and monitoring engine operation.

Possible applications for the LM2500 include patrol boats, corvettes, frigates, destroyers, cruisers, cargo/auxiliary ships and aircraft carriers. The LM2500 is also available as a military generator set.

GE’s engineering team also collaborates with Bath Iron Works on the LM2500 module modernization program. Through this initiative, GE designed a composite enclosure that has a 50% reduction in wall weight and several crew safety features. Introduction of this lightweight composite enclosure is anticipated in the next year.

In 2013, the U.S. Navy awarded Bath Iron Works DDG 126 under the contract that was part of a multi-year competition for DDG 51-class destroyers; DDG 127 was approved by Congress under separate legislation. Currently there are four DDG 51 destroyers in production at Bath Iron Works.

GE has already delivered over 750 gas turbines to the U.S. Navy to power frigates, destroyers, cruisers and amphibious ships. In addition, the company has nine depot service centers worldwide that provide full overhaul capability for the LM2500, avoiding the need to send gas turbines overseas for shop maintenance. This flexibility enables architects to design ships according to specific mission profiles and cost objectives.

Fleet commonality of a single gas turbine also affords the U.S. Navy a support pool of standardized spare parts, a common gas turbine infrastructure and training program for these fleets, and the flexibility to move propulsion crews across ship platforms with no incremental training.

GE’s marine gas turbine business is part of GE Aviation and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. GE is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine propulsion products, systems and solutions including aeroderivative gas turbines ranging from 6000 to 70 656 shaft horsepower/4.5 to 52 MW.