Power for two more Littoral Combat Ships

The contract to supply power and propulsion systems for the two latest vessels in the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme was recently secured by Rolls-Royce.

Designed to operate in combat zones close to the shore, each LCS will be equipped with two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines driving four large Kamewa waterjets, enabling the vessels to reach speeds well in excess of 40 knots.

This latest order is for ships named Little Rock and Sioux City, and follows previous orders for the Milwaukee and the Detroit, which are both under construction.

Rolls-Royce already powers two Lockheed Martin Littoral Combat Ships, the USS Freedom, first deployed two years ago, and the Fort Worth, which has now completed its U.S. Navy acceptance trials.

Andrew Marsh, President - Naval said, “We have worked closely with Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Navy and other partners during the LCS programme, using our extensive experience to further develop these highly advanced ships.

The combination of the MT30 gas turbine and our latest waterjet technology will ensure these ships are at the cutting edge of global naval capability.”

The MT30 is derived from Rolls-Royce aero engine technology and builds on over 45 million hours of operating experience. At 36 megawatts, it is the world’s most powerful marine gas turbine and has the highest power density in its class.

The waterjets are among the largest produced by Rolls-Royce. A range of other Rolls-Royce equipment is specified in the Lockheed Martin design, including shaftlines, bearings and propulsion system software.