GE Supplying Propulsion for USN Surveillance Ships

GE Aerospace's Marine Engines & Systems will provide propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy's new Explorer-class ocean surveillance ships. The initial order involves a LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engine in a composite enclosure for the lead ship, USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25), under construction at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

The Explorer-class (T-AGOS 25 program) is a planned series of seven U.S. Navy ocean surveillance ships designed specifically for anti-submarine warfare, that will tow advanced sonar arrays to collect acoustic data for detecting submarines. Neither the Pentagon nor GE has reported the value of the propulsion system to be supplied, but the T-AGOS 25 vessels have an estimated cumulative value of $3.195 billion.

"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," stated GE Aerospace’s Mark Musheno, v.p. of sales and marketing, Marine Engines and Systems.

The ship’s Integrated Electric Propulsion system is designed with four electric motors powered by three diesel generators and one GE LM2500 gas turbine. The developer reports “this hybrid configuration provides operational flexibility, allowing the ship to optimize power generation for various mission profiles, from extended low-speed towing operations (5 knots for 9,000 nautical miles) to rapid transit at sprint speeds when required.”

The LM2500 will be encased in lightweight composite enclosure that offers “transformative operational advantages critical for acoustic surveillance missions.” Along with a 50% weight reduction versus a steel enclosure, it will reduce engine room noise (essential for acoustic surveillance) and heat radiation, and will be corrosion-resistant so maintenance requirements will be reduced. Crew access to the engine also will be improved.

"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," Musheno said.