Rolls-Royce bags turbine contract with US Navy

Power systems giant Rolls-Royce has won another contract with the US Armed Forces, supplying power and propulsion systems for the two latest vessels in the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme.

The LCSs named Little Rock and Sioux City, designed to operate in combat zone close to the shore (littoral waters), will have two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines powering four large Mk1 waterjets which will help the vessels to travel at around 40 knots.

"This order builds on the success of the Rolls-Royce powered Littoral Combat Ships to date and we're delighted that we will also power the Little Rock and the Sioux City," said Andrew March, the President of Rolls-Royce's Naval division.

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"We have worked closely with Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Navy and other partners during the LCS programme, using our extensive experience to further develop these highly advanced ships. The combination of the MT30 gas turbine and our latest waterjet technology will ensure these ships are at the cutting edge of global naval capability," he said.

No financial information was given.

In March, the company signed an engine upgrade contract with the US Air Force and other support services contracts for engines used by the US Armed Forces.

BC