Canberra has selected Rolls-Royce to supply its MT30 marine gas turbines for the Royal Australian Navy’s upcoming Mogami-class frigates, supporting a fleet of up to 11 vessels under a 10-billion Australian dollar ($7.1 billion) program with Japan.
The capability forms the core of the propulsion inside the Japan Self-Defense Force’s own Mogami warships, into which it is integrated with twin diesel engines for a combined output of 70,000 horsepower to deliver speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour).
Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems segment will also deliver mtu Series 4000-based diesel generator sets for onboard power, delivered through licensed partner Daihatsu Infinearth.
The turbine is already in service with several allied navies, including the US Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ships and Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, and the UK Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and City-class (Type 26) frigates.
It is also used by the Republic of Korea Navy’s Daegu-class and Chungnam-class frigates, as well as the Italian Navy’s new multi-purpose landing helicopter dock.
Additionally, the system is being fitted into the Royal Australian Navy’s new Hunter-class frigates, providing commonality in propulsion systems across Canberra’s future surface combatants.
“For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce has been an integral partner delivering power and propulsion to Australia for air, land, and sea,” said Alex Zino, director of business development and future programs at Rolls-Royce Defence.
“We are delighted to continue this long-standing partnership by powering their new general-purpose frigates with our MT30 engine. We are pleased to support this collaboration between two nations that are combining capabilities to enhance the security across the region.”