In mid 2006 Wärtsilä Corporation introduced the new LJX axial water jets for the propulsion of fast vessels with promises of a 25% reduction in transom mounting flange diameter, a 10% overall reduction in weight and a 35% improvement in cavitation margin. These benchmarks were reportedly met when the first LJX waterjet units were put through full-scale trials in July 2007. These were LJX 1500 size units of 9000 kW capacity. LJX water jets in the size range from 1800 to 22,000 kW have been ordered. The Australian engineering consultancy firm Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd (SKM) was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive test programme to map various jet performance parameters throughout the trials.