GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems has secured an order from Austal USA to supply propulsion power for the US Navy’s new Explorer-class ocean surveillance ships, T-AGOS.
As disclosed, the purchase agreement covers one LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engine in a composite enclosure with an associated generator by Brush for the lead ship, USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25), currently under construction at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.
The T-AGOS 25 design uses an Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system. This system consists of four electric motors powered by three diesel generators and one GE LM2500 gas turbine.
The hybrid configuration provides operational flexibility. It allows the ship to optimize power generation depending on the mission profile.
This includes long-duration, low-speed towing operations at around 5 knots for up to 9,000 nautical miles. It also supports rapid sprint speeds when higher transit performance is required.
“This official order represents a significant milestone for both the T-AGOS 25 program and GE Aerospace’s continued partnership with the U.S. Navy,” said Mark Musheno , VP of Sales and Marketing Marine Engines and Systems at GE Aerospace.
The Explorer-class represents a significant leap forward in ocean surveillance capabilities, featuring larger, faster vessels designed to support the navy’s anti-submarine warfare operations and the integrated undersea surveillance system (IUSS).
At 109.5 meters feet long and with a displacement of 9,099 tons, these ships will be the largest and fastest T-AGOS vessels ever operated by the US Navy, capable of sprinting up to 22 knots.
“We’re honored to provide proven, reliable propulsion technology for the Navy’s next generation of ocean surveillance ships. The LM2500’s power density, reliability, and fuel efficiency make it an ideal choice for the integrated electric propulsion system that gives these ships the operational flexibility their mission demands.”