GE Aerospace has received orders for eight LM2500 marine gas turbines to power two future US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Ray Mabus (DDG 147) and USS Robert R. Ingram (DDG 149).
Each ship will use four engines for propulsion. Both destroyers belong to the Flight III configuration, the latest version of the Arleigh Burke class.
GE supplies propulsion engines for every destroyer in the class.
According to the company, 75 Arleigh Burke-class ships were in active service in April, all powered by LM2500 turbines.
Asha Belarski, head of GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems business, said the company is investing in its workforce and production capacity to support continued demand for the engine.
Wider Naval Use
The US Navy has received more than 700 LM2500 turbines for destroyers, frigates, and other surface combatants, GE said.
The engine entered naval service in 1969 and has since been developed into several versions, including the LM2500+ and LM2500+G4.
Updates to the engine family incorporate hardware changes developed through both military and commercial operations, with modifications tested in industrial applications also feeding into naval designs.
Recent Projects
The destroyer orders follow other naval propulsion deals GE Aerospace secured this year.
In September, South Korea selected the company to supply 12 LM2500+G4 turbines for six planned KDDX destroyers, supporting their electric propulsion systems.
In May, Austal USA ordered an LM2500+G4 turbine and generator for the future USNS Don Walsh, the lead Explorer-class ocean surveillance ship under construction in Mobile, Alabama.
The vessel will combine gas-turbine and diesel-generated electricity for propulsion.
Earlier this year, GE also announced a $1 billion investment across its US facilities and suppliers to expand defense manufacturing and engine output, along with plans to hire about 5,000 manufacturing and engineering workers.