GE LM500s to Power Korea Navy Ships
GE Marine reports its LM500 aeroderivative gas turbine has been selected to power the Republic of Korea Navy’s PKX-B patrol boat program. The LM500 gas turbines will be manufactured in-country by Samsung Techwin at its Changwon, Korea, facility.
The potential gas turbine propulsion system value over the life of the 34-ship PKX-B program is approximately $400 million. The program will be conducted in two phases. The first phase is for 16 shipsets. After completion, Phase II will proceed according to ROK government procedures.
“We are delighted that the ROK Navy continues to put their trust in GE’s gas turbines with the selection of the LM500 as the prime mover for the PKX-A and PKX-B programs. Standardizing power plants around the LM2500 and LM500 allows the ROK Navy flexibility in moving crews from ship to ship and great economies of scale in training, maintenance, and logistics. Together with Samsung Techwin, we have established in-country capabilities to support all the GE gas turbine needs of the ROK Navy,” said Brien Bolsinger, Vice President Marine Operations, GE Marine, Evendale, Ohio. “GE – through Samsung Techwin – expects to provide more than 100 LM500 engines for the PKX-A and PKX-B programs.”
The PKX-B patrol boats will use LM500 gas turbines, rated at approximately 6,017 shaft horsepower, in a combined diesel and gas turbine arrangement. The PKX-A program is also powered by GE LM500 gas turbines.
Continuing PKX-A program capabilities into the PKX-B program, Samsung Techwin locally manufactures selected parts of the LM500s, and assembles and tests the completed engines. GE will provide support of the gas turbine, control, and reduction gear system to Samsung Techwin, shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction, and the ROK Navy throughout installation, sea trials, and commissioning.
The LM500 is derived from GE’s TF34/CF34 turbofan aircraft engines, 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.
ge.com