MT30 gets up to speed

The MT30, destined for the US Navy’s DDG-1000, USS Zumwalt programme, achieved full power operation at 36 MW during testing at the Navy’s site in Philadelphia. The company says that the choice of the MT30 for the DDG-1000 marks the first large gas turbine engine ordered by the US Navy for use in a generator set providing electrical power for propulsion and on-board systems throughout the ship.

The MT30 has been developed to meet the growing demand by navies for higher power gas turbines in the 34-40MW range and it can be configured for mechanical or generator drive. The MT30 offers a high power density, which Rolls-Royce says is a key factor in naval propulsion systems.

Lockheed Martin has also selected the MT30 for the Littoral Combat Ship program, with the first ship-of-class, the USS Freedom, bearing two MT30s as part of the combined diesel and gas turbine configuration powering Rolls-Royce waterjets. The MT30 has additionally been selected for the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth class, which, like the Zumwalt, will benefit from integrated all-electric propulsion.