Rolls-Royce last week showcased its future naval power and propulsion capabilities at
MADEX 2021, the South Korean defence exhibition.
The new power and propulsion model was on display, demonstrating the company’s capabilities for both integrated full electric (IFEP) and hybrid electric propulsion (EP) solutions for modern naval vessels.
Rolls-Royce already has proven experience with the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN), having introduced a revolutionary, modern and simple, hybrid propulsion system arrangement for all eight ships in the Daegu-class FFX Batch II Anti-Submarine Warfare frigate programme – each powered by a single MT30 gas turbine and electric propulsion motors powered by four Rolls-Royce MTU diesel generators per ship. A similar system arrangement has more recently been selected for the Ulsan-class programme.
Beyond the FFX programme, Rolls-Royce is the only manufacturer in the world that has provided naval marine gas turbine generators into front-line integrated full electric (IFEP) powered destroyers and aircraft carriers.
The company has extensive and proven experience in IFEP powered warships. The Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers are powered by Rolls-Royce’s WR-21 engines. Two MT30 main gas turbine generator sets and two Rolls-Royce RR4500 auxiliary turbine generator sets supply 78MW of total ship power to the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyers.
The Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, due to visit South Korea later this year, combine two MT30 36MW gas turbine alternators with four medium-speed diesel generators delivering 112MW of electrical power.
The power density of the proven marine MT30 gas turbine genset is also one of the key enablers for IFEP for the next-generation RoKN destroyer (KDDX). MT30 alone is delivering huge design benefits through its power density, significantly reducing the number of gas turbines required to power advanced naval platforms.
Jay Lee, vice president of business development and future programmes (defence – naval, Korea), said: “Rolls-Royce remains at the forefront of naval propulsion technology. Our advanced naval power capabilities are powering many of the world’s most advanced platforms in all conceivable propulsion configurations and importantly support the Republic of Korea Navy’s SMART Navy Vision.
“We are delighted to be showcasing our capability at MADEX this year, through our new power and propulsion model. We look forward to having an opportunity to build on the important relationships with our customers including the Republic of Korea Navy.”
“Selecting the right power and propulsion system is one of the most important decisions our customers will face when designing their new platforms. We are committed to working closely with the Republic of Korea Navy to provide them with the most adaptable propulsion systems based on the most modern technology available today.
“This will ensure our customers can retain their military advantage via future technology insertion without having to endure costly upgrades to legacy power generation capability throughout the life of their ships.”