G.E. Marine Gas Turbines To Power German Frigate Ships

The Federal Republic of Germany has announced selection of the General Electric LM2500 marine gas turbine as the power plant for its new F-122 class of frigate ships. The LM2500 is produced by GE's Marine and Industrial Projects Department in Evendale, Ohio.

The initial order is for 12 marine gas turbine modules, two for each of six new 3,400-ton frigates.

As a result of this order, a complete LM2500 engine support and maintenance center will be established in West Germany.

O.R. Bonner, general manager of the Marine and Industrial Projects Department, noted that with the receipt of this order "the General Electric LM2500 marine gas turbine has now been selected by the navies of two nations to power new naval craft, thus making the LM2500 the world leader in gas turbine propulsion." He added that "today, the LM2500 is operational in six U.S. Navy Spruance-class destroyers as well as the U.S. Navy/NATOPHM hydrofoil ship." The LM2500's efficient design, coupled with the low fuel consumption, provides ships with improved operational capabilities and flexibility, allowing extended range and the ability to carry a greater volume and weight of weaponry. The LM2500 is designed for long life, permitting extended overhaul intervals and lower maintenance costs. Maintainability features of the LM- 2500, based on the GE CF6 aircraft engine, permit faster maintenance, increasing a shipV operational availability.

The LM2500 was designed, and has been fully qualified through a series of exhaustive tests by the U.S. Navy, for naval marine service. To date, the LM2500s have logged over 100,000 hours of marine service.

The Iranian Navy has also selected the LM2500 to power its version of the Spruance-class ships. This year, the first of a fleet of U.S. Navy FFG guided missile frigates, powered by two LM2500 gas turbines, will go into active service. Australia has ordered this class of ship for its Navy.

The first Italian fast frigate, the Lupo, was launched last year, and has successfully completed its propulsion sea trials. This ship has been selected by the Italian, Peruvian and Venezuelan navies. Other LM2500 installations include the new Danish Navy KV-72 class of Corvettes, the new Indonesian Navy patrol ships, and a new class of Saudi Arabian gunboats. The 10 countries that have selected LM2500s to power new shipbuilding programs represent more than 150 ships. With this buy, the German Navy, one of the leading NATO powers, joins the growing number of world navies powered by the LM2500.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 7, Jul 15, 1977

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