Rolls-Royce has demonstrated its future power system capabilities to strengthen naval power.

Rolls-Royce will showcase its power and propulsion systems capabilities that can strengthen future naval power at the 13th International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2023), held at BEXCO in Busan from June 7 to 9.

Rolls-Royce has been selected to build the Republic of Korea Navy's Daegu-class FFX Batch II frigates, equipping a total of eight ships with its innovative, modern and streamlined hybrid propulsion system.

Each vessel is powered by a single MT30 gas turbine and electric propulsion motors driven by four Rolls-Royce MTU 12V 4000 M53B diesel generators.

In addition, a similar system configuration was selected for the Chungnam-class FFX Batch-III project.

Additionally, Rolls-Royce will unveil its latest naval gas turbine technology, the MT7 gas turbine, at MADEX.

The MT7 is derived from the successfully proven AE 1107C-Liberty aircraft engine that powers the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

The MT7, a compact engine that delivers up to 4.6MW of power, boasts excellent fuel efficiency and performance retention.

This technology requires extreme power density for air-cushion landing craft. It is suitable for LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) or hovercraft, and provides hovercraft designers and manufacturers with greater flexibility in terms of propulsion system layout.

The MT7 shares a common core architecture with the AE product family, enabling it to leverage existing, robust production facilities, supply chains, and support networks.

In 2012, the MT7 was selected to power the new LCAC 100 class ships as part of the US Navy's Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) program, which is expected to expand to a total of 73 ships.

Jong-Yeol Lee, Rolls-Royce Korea Country Manager and Vice President of Business Development and Future Programmes, Defence, said, “We are very proud to support the Republic of Korea Navy and all domestic customers with Rolls-Royce’s leading naval propulsion technology. We look forward to participating in MADEX, an important opportunity to showcase Rolls-Royce’s new capabilities based on world-leading innovative technologies, and to build close relationships with key stakeholders.”