General Electric Gets $50-Million Gas Turbine Contract For Navy Ships

Bath Iron Works has placed an order of $50 million with General Electric for the company's LM- 2500 marine gas turbines to power the U.S. Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry-Class guided missile frigates.

The contract was announced by O.R. Bonner, general manager, Marine and Industrial Projects Department, Evendale, Ohio.

The Perry Class has been proposed as a fleet in excess of 50 ships, all powered by the General Electric LM2500 gas turbines.

Each FFG-7 Class, 3,700-ton frigate utilizes two LM2500 gas turbines. Mr. Bonner states that the General Electric LM2500 engine is designed to provide low operating costs, long life, and high reliability.

The LM2500 has a 37 percent peak engine thermal efficiency, with a 21 to 27 percent lower fuel consumption rate than earlier generation powerplants. The LM- 2500 also utilizes up to 45 percent less airflow than gas turbines in the same horsepower class.

The high-pressure turbine operates at some 200 degrees centigrade higher than previous engines, yet with advanced aircooling techniques, the turbine metals operate cooler than earlier uncooled engines. Longer metal life and improved gas cycle efficiency are the results.

Compared to GE's TF39 and CF6 aircraft engines, the LM2500 operates at 30 percent lower pressure and 110 degrees centigrade lower temperature. These lower operating parameters further improve parts life and maintenance costs.

The LM2500 was also selected by the U.S. Navy to power their 30 Spruance-Class destroyers and six Patrol Hydrofoil ships.

The LM2500 provides the propulsion for 118 ships in 11 navies around the world.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 5, Aug 1978

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.