Rolls-Royce Stealth System to Start Tests on New Navy Ship

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."