The United States Navy’s Constellation class (FFG 62) frigate will be powered by GE Marine’s GE LM2500+G4 aeroderivative marine gas turbine.
The gas turbine will be provided to Fincantieri Marinette Marine, along with the gas turbine auxiliary skids (electric start, fuel forwarding and water wash systems) and gas turbine control system.
The new U.S. Navy Constellation class is based on Fincantieri’s proven FREMM design already in operation onboard the Italian Navy Carlos Bergamini class frigates (10-ship program). The U.S. Navy frigates will feature the same power dense GE LM2500+G4 gas turbine in a Combined Diesel Electric And Gas turbine (CODLAG) propulsion system.
According to Kris Shepherd, Vice President, General Manager, GE Marine, “The FFG 62 marks the initial U.S. Navy use of the LM2500+G4 engine. To date, 37 LM2500+G4 gas turbines have been chosen for surface combatants and two for commercial marine ships, as well as more than 1,100 of these engines operating worldwide in industrial settings. The U.S. Navy will benefit from Fincantieri’s low-risk, proven ship design powered by GE’s reliable LM2500+G4 gas turbine.”
The LM2500+G4 gas turbine for the new class of frigate is certified to a U.S. Navy rating of 30.3 MW (U.S. Navy standard day). GE will ensure the gas turbine and all associated auxiliary equipment is to specification compliance and fully integrated with the propulsion plant.
The LM2500+G4 will be supplied in GE’s state-of-the-art composite gas turbine module. One of the most important design features of this new module is that it provides a safer environment and improved access for sailors. By using lightweight composites versus the steel enclosure predecessor, wall temperatures are 25oF to 50oF degrees cooler so there is less heat rejected into the engine room. GE also offers water mist fire suppression capability to the composite enclosure.
The LM2500+G4 engine will be made in the U.S.A. at GE’s manufacturing facility in Evendale, Ohio.
