EVENDALE, Ohio -- GE Transportation announced it will supply Samsung Techwin, the Republic of Korea (ROK), with several GE LM500 aeroderivative marine gas turbine kits. Once assembled and tested by Samsung Techwin, the LM500 marine gas turbines will be used to power the ROK Navy's next generation PK(X) patrol boats.
"We are delighted that the LM500 gas turbine will be part of the propulsion system for these next-generation vessels," said Karl Matson, general manager of GE Transportation's marine business, Evendale, Ohio.
Noted Matson, "We are also excited that we have expanded our long-standing relationship with Samsung Techwin for this project, whereby Samsung Techwin will locally manufacture selected parts of the LM500 and assemble and test the completed engines at their factory in Changwon, Korea."
Each of the PK(X) patrol boats will use two LM500 gas turbines, rated at approximately 5,600 shaft horsepower, in a COmbined Diesel And Gas turbine (CODAG) arrangement, with two MTU diesel engines.
The LM500
The LM500 is derived from GE's TF34 turbofan aircraft engine, and has 90% commonality with the CF34 engine that powers the popular CRJ100/200 regional jet with more than 14 million hours of operation.
The simple cycle LM500 is a two-shaft gas turbine consisting of a gas generator, a free power turbine and cold end drive capabilities. The 14-stage axial flow compressor offers a 14.5:1 pressure ratio.
Currently there are 67 LM500 gas turbines delivered or on order, accumulating more than 1.8 million operating hours. Of that total, 140,000 hours have been logged in marine service. The high time engine has accumulated nearly 88,000 hours.
The versatile LM500 operates in a variety of propulsion system configurations, such as the CODAG arrangement aboard the Danish Navy's Stanflex 300 patrol boat; and the COmbined Diesel Or Gas turbine and the COmbined Gas and Gas turbine arrangements for the Japanese Navy's Ichi Go class missile boats and Hayabusa patrol boats, respectively.
The LM500 is also used to power two Foilcat high-speed commercial ferries that operate in Hong Kong.
GE Transportation's marine business is one of the world's leading manufacturers of marine products, including gas turbines (6,000 to 57,300 shaft horsepower), medium speed diesels (1,400 to 4,500 horsepower), and main reduction gearing for marine and diesel-electric industrial applications.