Marine Gas Turbine Package for the Korean Navy PKX Program

Abstract

GE together with MTSI, Woodward, and Bibby Transmissions, has developed and delivered a compact gas turbine package for the Korean Navy. The prime mover is GE’s LM500 engine rated at 5500 shp. Remarkably, the period of execution was only 16 months including the development and construction of the production test cell. The paper will examine all phases of the propulsion system development from ship integration to sea trial results (scheduled for Spring 2008). Of particular interest is the design evolution of the high speed coupling shaft (HSCS). Of all of the component development activities, the HSCS was the most challenging. Progress in this particular area will benefit future marine propulsion programs requiring shock qualification.