GE Engines to Power ROK Navy KDDX Destroyers

GE Aerospace will supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines to power six ships of the Republic of Korea Navy’s next-generation destroyer project, KDDX. The announcement was made in a company press release.

The LM2500+G4’s integration with KDDX’s full electric propulsion configuration offers the ships superior operational flexibility and fuel economy, power for future growth, and optimal survivability/redundancy. The configuration with the LM2500+G4 will satisfy the power demands of the first ship in Korean Navy history outfitted with stealth-integrated radar and armed with anti-aircraft missiles and land-attack missiles.

Asha Belarski, Vice President & General Manager of GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems, commented on the selection. "The transition to full electric propulsion is a step toward the next generation of naval power." she said.

Lightweight Composite Enclosure

Each KDDX destroyer will be powered by two LM2500+G4 engines, enclosed by GE Aerospace’s new lightweight composite enclosure. This enclosure offered KDDX ship designers significant advantages compared to the previous steel enclosure, including a weight reduction of over 2,500 kg while maintaining the same footprint as the base LM2500 gas turbine. Additionally, the enclosure provides the ship’s crew with benefits like less noise (60% quieter) and cooler wall temperatures (reduction of 25°F to 50°F degrees).

In-Country Licensed Manufacturers

GE Aerospace’s gas turbines are proven to meet the most demanding needs of the world’s navies. To date, the ROK Navy has procured 163 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines for 95 ships. GE Aerospace’s longstanding in-country partner, Hanwha Aerospace, will manufacture various engine components as well as assemble, test, and provide service support in country. The lightweight composite engine enclosure will also be manufactured locally by NRTEC in Busan, Korea.

GE Aerospace’s Marine Engine Sets the Pace for the Future

The LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine was introduced in 2012 and currently powers Italian, French, Egyptian, and Moroccan FREMM frigates and was selected for the U.S. Navy’s Constellation-class (FFG-62) program. Most recently, the LM2500+G4 was selected to power the U.S. Navy’s DDG(X) Land Based Test Site as the Navy develops the final design for its future destroyer class. The LM2500 family of engines has significant commonalities, as all are two spool engines. The LM2500+G4 differs from the base LM2500 in that it has a zero-stage high pressure compressor blisk and technical improvements to allow for 33% greater air flow as well as higher firing temperatures while maintaining the same footprint as the base LM2500. These engines serve demanding marine and industrial markets in mechanical and electrical generation applications, like KDDX.