Rolls-Royce develops new mtu energy and automation solutions for future submarines

British multinational aerospace and defense company Rolls-Royce has revealed it is developing new and advanced concepts mtu energy and automation solutions for future submarines.

As disclosed, the solutions include a new, “more powerful” mtu submarine charging unit and mtu NautIQ automation systems for underwater ship control.

The latest and the future generations of submarines require more electrical power than their predecessors. This is due, on the one hand, to the ever more extensive electronic equipment of the submarines. On the other hand, the modern battery storage systems on the ships allow faster charging than before. At the same time, there is a need for a space-saving design, according to Rolls-Royce.

Now, the company is addressing these requirements with the concept of a “more powerful” mtu onboard power generator driven by the future 20-cylinder version of the mtu Series 4000 submarine engine.

Like the twelve-cylinder boat engine, of which many units have already been built, it is based on the marine version of the mtu Series 4000, the firm noted.

With eight more cylinders, the 20-cylinder version will have a correspondingly higher power output.

“This means that the batteries can be charged much faster, minimizing the surface time for the submarine. Furthermore, the compact genset makes it possible to save space in the submarine hull, for example by having two of the 20-cylinder on-board power generators take over the tasks of the previous three smaller gensets,” it was stated.

Moreover, compared to the surface version, the submarine variant has been modified in its charge air and combustion systems so that the boats are difficult to locate.

The company has conducted a study that proves such a charging unit is suitable for integration into modern submarine designs.

To remind, Rolls-Royce Submarines has been contracted to provide reactors for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines, as part of the AUKUS trilateral agreement between Australia, the UK and the US.