Rolls-Royce to Design Gas Turbine for UK Navy’s Warship

Rolls-Royce has been awarded a contract to design the gas turbine system for the Royal Navy’s future Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which will, subject to contract, feature the world’s most powerful marine gas turbine, the Rolls-Royce MT30.

Rolls-Royce will work together with prime contractor BAE Systems and Tognum, Rolls-Royce’s collaboration with Daimler, to design the advanced propulsion system. This system will combine the Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine with four of Tognum’s MTU high-speed diesel generator sets.

Don Roussinos, Rolls-Royce, President – Naval, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Tognum on the development of an advanced propulsion system for a fleet of ships that will be central to the Royal Navy’s capability for decades to come.

“The Type 26 will combine a range of marine technologies, and it is the sophisticated integration of this equipment that will ensure these ships will be highly flexible and efficient, whatever the mission.”

The MT30 is derived from Rolls-Royce aero engine technology and builds on over 45 million hours of operating experience. Producing 36 to 40 megawatts, it is the world’s most powerful marine gas turbine and has the highest power density – a key factor in naval propulsion where delivering a high power output in a compact space is essential.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce installed two MT30s in the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The MT30 is also in service with the US Navy and has been selected for the Republic of Korea Navy’s latest frigate programme.

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Press Release, September 11, 2013; Image: BAE Systems