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David Brown Gears Up for Gas Turbine Transmission
01 Dec 2002
The WR-21 is the first production marine gas turbine to incorporate compressor intercooling and exhaust gas heat recuperation, delivering a 27% reduction in fuel burn compared to simple-cycle gas turbines across the power range. In the UK, the Royal Navy's new class of Type 45 destroyers will use the WR-21.
The gearbox is designed and built to exacting performance standards. Built around the HPC turbine housing and directly coupled to it, the gearbox is designed to operate at speeds in excess of 20,000rpm for a service life measured in decades.
In addition to its core engine start drive function, it must drive the varied accessories required by the gas turbine plant, including the fuel and lubrication pumps and the engine breather. The level of performance requires gear manufacture to AGMA 14 standard.
Northrop Grumman's Marine Systems division is prime contractor for the WR-21, with overall responsibility for engineering and systems integration. Rolls Royce is designing and developing the gas generator and power turbine, which is based on the RB211 and Trent families of commercial aircraft engines. The movement towards marine applications was furthered at SMM recently when Rolls Royce and the Spanish shipbuilder Izar announced plans for a turbine-powered European Ro-Ro ferry collaboration.
MJ Information No 17709
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