Navy’s Surface Effect Ship Will Get MAN B&W Engines

Two MAN B&W Diesel Ltd., 18VP185 engines each rated at 4000 kWb at 1950 r/min have been specified by the U.S. Navy to re-engine the IX 515 Surface Effect Ship. The VP185 engines will replace two 16V396 MTU engines. The vessel utilizes a cushion of air trapped between the sidewalls and flexible bow and stern seals to lift a large part of the hull clear of the water to reduce drag. The IX 515 will continue to serve as a performance test platform for Navy weapon system test development programs.