MT30 Engine to Be Installed on Ulsan-Class Frigate
Rolls-Royce Selected as Supplier, Expanding Collaboration with Korean Navy
Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply the engine that will serve as the heart of the Ulsan-class frigate (FFX Batch IV). The company has previously delivered engines for eight Daegu-class frigates under the FFX Batch II program, which are specialized for anti-submarine warfare, as well as for six Chungnam-class frigates under the FFX Batch III program.
According to Rolls-Royce on May 27, the company plans to equip the San-class frigate with the MT30 marine engine. The MT30 marine engine is a hybrid propulsion system powered by a single gas turbine and an electric propulsion motor. Rolls-Royce will collaborate with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to produce auxiliary equipment for the gas turbine, while STX Engine will assemble the generator.
The MT30 installed on the frigate has continued to deliver the same maximum power as at the time of delivery and has been highly rated for its short maintenance time?just about one hour per week?and its operational convenience.
With the addition of the Batch IV frigates, the Republic of Korea Navy will operate a total of 20 MT30 engines across Batch II, Batch III, and Batch IV. This provides advantages in terms of spare parts, support infrastructure, and training.
The MT30 has already proven its technology in terms of long lifecycle performance and operational cost efficiency. The MT30 gas turbine is used on the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship and Zumwalt-class destroyer, the U.K. Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, and the Italian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock, among others.
Lee Jongryul, President of Rolls-Royce Korea, stated, "Through our partnership with the Republic of Korea Navy and domestic defense companies, we will introduce future technologies and continue to maintain military superiority."
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