Twin Drive Gas Turbines in Single Proplusion Package for Norwegian Fast Patrol Boat

Abstract

The Royal Norwegian Navy, along with ship builder Umoe-Mandal, placed a requirement for two twin drive gas turbine packages (left hand/right hand) to fit into its existing Skjold Class fast patrol boat. Approximate output power was 16,000 HP, providing a vessel propulsion speed of over 60 knots. The design featured turbines of two different sizes: one PWC ST18 - 2680 HP and one PWC ST40 - 5365 HP. This combination proved optimal for the desired fighting ability, vessel range and reduced operating economies. The final COGAG (Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine) configuration is the first of its type and may well have the highest horsepower-to-package size of any system designed to date. Many new techniques were developed to allow the propulsion packages to be assembled in place while providing the means for rapid change out of the gas turbines. The primary topics highlighted in this paper are: 1. Overview of key project and system design requirements. 2. Description of the final package design. 3. The concept development phase and review of the analytical tools used for design verification. 4. The integration and special design features required for incorporating twin turbines into a single package with requirements for single or both turbines operating. 5. The in place installation method and system maintenance of the package. 6. Program summary and testing to date.