Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines
Rolls-Royce of UK secured a contract to provide gas turbines for the US Navy’s future fleet of hovercraft. The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) will replace the current naval fleet of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft over the next 20 years. Rolls-Royce will provide its MT7 gas turbines, derived from the AE1107 engine that powers the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft for the US Army. The company will also provide the air intake and exhaust systems for the SSCs which could extend to 73 aircraft. “This is an exciting and significant project for Rolls-Royce to be involved with. Our gas turbine technology will increase the power of the hovercraft by 25 per cent, compared to the previous generation, enabling each craft to transport up to 74 tonnes of cargo at speeds over 35 knots. At the same time our engines will improve fuel efficiency by 11 per cent. We look forward to working with Textron and the US Navy during the development and entry into service of these highly versatile craft,” said Andrew Marsh, President, Rolls-Royce.
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