LM2500+ Gas Turbine Receives Military Certification

Released on Tuesday, August 03, 2004

On August 3, 2004, General Electric Transportation's marine business received United States Navy certification for its LM2500+ aeroderivative gas turbine. The gas turbine has been certified for 35,000 brake horsepower (bhp) for mechanical drive applications.

The LM2500+, a derivative of successful LM2500, has been certified powering the eighth LHD 1 Wasp class of large-deck, multipurpose amphibious assault ships. It is also available for future follow-on ships. According to GE sources, this decision could clear the way for future national and international applications of the LM2500+ turbine.

During the test program preceding the US Navy certification the LM2500+ engine was maneuvered from idle to full power, 35% of the time the engine ran at 100% of the power, it ran to internal temperatures associated with 100 Fahrenheit ambient temperatures, test emphasized cyclic stresses and high temperature effects, and it was followed by disassembly and inspection of major subassemblies.

The LHD 8 Makin Island will have hybrid electric drive system and will be powered by two LM2500+ gas turbines for full power operations and electric motors for loitering speeds.

Previously, the LM2500+ gas turbine was deployed by commercial marine for mechanical drive applications and industrial operators for power generation. It offers up to 25% more power at a simple-cycle thermal efficiency in excess of 39%. The reliability remains the same of LM2500 99.6%.