The US Navy's Office of Naval
Research unveiled its new advanced electric-ship demonstrator ship, SEA
JET, for the first time.
The ship will test Rolls-Royce patented AWJ-21(TM) waterjet technology
over the next six months on Lake Pend Oreille at the Navy's Acoustic Research
Department in Bayview, Idaho.
The AWJ-21 is designed to increase ship speed, making hulls sleeker by
working without rudders, shafts and
propeller struts. Unlike conventional
waterjets, the system works completely underwater, reducing noise and surface
wake and improving stealth.
The lightweight and compact AWJ-21 allows ships to operate in shallow
waters. Its integrated steering and reversing system improves maneuverability
at low speeds.
Pat Marolda, Rolls-Royce President -- Naval, said: "This is a significant
milestone in our development of an advanced waterjet technology which offers
new parameters in performance, bringing real benefits to the US Navy."