GE Marine reports that it will provide Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, with two LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines to power the United States Navy’s third LCS-Class-Independence variant. To be named USS Jackson, the vessel will be powered by the LM2500s arranged in a combined diesel and gas turbine configuration with two diesel engines.
“GE continues investing in the LM2500 technology to meet customer needs, and we are delighted that Austal and the U.S. Navy recognize the reliability of this engine by again selecting it for this LCS application,” said Brien Bolsinger, GE Marine general manager. “In fact, this newest vessel brings the total to six LM2500s GE will provide to power Austal USA-built LCS-Class-Independence variants, and is part of a contract for up to 10 ships over a five-year period.”
The LM2500 remains GE’s most popular gas turbine, used by 31 navies worldwide, logging more than 13 million operating hours in marine service. The current worldwide LM2500 fleet totals more than 2,500 engines operating in diverse marine and industrial applications.
In December 2010, the U.S. Navy selected Austal USA as prime contractor to handle construction of the third LCS-Class-Independence variant. General Dynamics/Bath Iron Works -- the prime contractor for the first two ships of this class -- teamed with ship designer and builder Austal USA and General Dynamics/AIS of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
The 127-meter aluminum trimaran LCS is an agile surface combatant that can be deployed independently to overseas littoral regions, can remain on station for an extended period either with a battle group or through a forward-basing arrangement, and is capable of underway replenishment.
The LM2500 gas turbines for the LCS will be manufactured at GE’s Evendale, Ohio, facility, and will be delivered to Austal USA in May 2012.
Source: GE Marine