Rolls-Royce will power the U.S. Navy's future fleet of hovercraft, known as the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC).
Hovercraft to Replace LCAC
The company will work with Textron Marine & Land Systems, which has been selected to build the initial development craft, in a programme that could extend to 73 craft. The SSC will replace the Navy's current fleet of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft over the next twenty years. The new hovercraft will be used to rapidly deploy personnel and vehicles between U.S. Navy ships and the shore.
Gas Turbines
Each SSC will use multiple Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines, derived from the AE1107 engine, which powers the US Marine Corps' V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Andrew Marsh, Rolls-Royce, President – Naval said: '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 tons of cargo at speeds over 35 knots. At the same time our engines will improve fuel efficiency by 11 per cent.'
Propulsion and Lift
On each hovercraft, the MT7 gas turbines will be connected to a sophisticated gearbox system providing both propulsion and lift. Rolls-Royce will also design and manufacture the air intake and exhaust systems.
(Picture from Rolls-Royce website)
