GE Aerospace has received a contract to supply twelve LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines to power six ships of the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) next-generation destroyer project, KDDX.
The integration of the LM2500+G4 with the KDDX’s full-electric propulsion configuration is designed to provide operational flexibility and fuel efficiency, while allowing for future power requirements and maintaining propulsion redundancy.
The configuration is intended to meet the power requirements of the first Korean Navy ship to feature an integrated stealth radar system and carry both anti-aircraft and land-attack missiles.
“The transition to full electric propulsion is a step toward the next generation of naval power. We are honored to be a part of this project incorporating the latest advancements in shipbuilding. The selection of GE Aerospace’s LM2500+G4 technology strengthens our strong collaborations in Korea and demonstrates our commitment to local manufacturing,” said Asha Belarski, Vice President & General Manager, GE Aerospace’s Marine Engines & Systems.
Each KDDX destroyer will be equipped with two LM2500+G4 engines housed in GE Aerospace’s lightweight composite enclosures. Compared with the previous steel enclosure, the composite design reduces weight by more than 2,500 kg while maintaining the same footprint as the LM2500 gas turbine. It also reduces noise levels by 60% and lowers enclosure wall temperatures by approximately 25°F to 50°F.
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.
To date, the ROK Navy has procured 163 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines for 95 ships.
Most recently, the LM2500+G4 was selected to power the US Navy’s DDG(X) land-based test site as the navy develops the final design for its future destroyer class.