Rolls-Royce's first MT30 gas turbines completed their first acceptance test to be used on the U.K. Royal Navy's Type 26 Global Combat Ship.

Rolls-Royce is under contract to provide MT30 gas turbines for the Royal Navy's first three Type 26 frigates. Also involved in the construction is BAE Systems, which has signed a design and development agreement with Rolls-Royce for diesel generator sets, steering gear and other equipment.

The Royal Navy's Type 26 is to replace the Type 23 frigate. Company officials involved say the acceptance of Rolls-Royce's gas turbines marks an important milestone for the program.

"We are extremely proud that our MT30 will be powering the Type 26 and continuing a long Rolls-Royce tradition of providing gas turbines to the Royal Navy. We look forward to working with BAE Systems and the Royal Navy on this exciting project," Rolls-Royce Naval president Don Roussinos said.

Once completed, the Type 26 Global Combat Ships will be used for warfighting, maritime security and international engagement. The ships are being designed to have a 7,800 nautical mile range, and reach speeds up to 28 knots.

"Type 26 will be the backbone of the UK's surface fleet and a strong industrial base is essential to sustaining this naval capability," BAE Systems Type 26 Global Combat Ship program director Geoff Searle said.

GE continues support for Canadian Navy engines
Evandale, Ohio (UPI) Feb 3, 2016 –

GE Canada is to continue its maintenance and logistics support services for LM2500 aero-derivative gas turbines on Halifax-class patrol frigates.

"We are now in our 15th year and fourth extension on a contract awarded by Public Services and Procurement Canada," said Brien Bolsinger, GE Marine vice president, Marine Operations. "This demonstrates that the contract provides the RCN [Royal Canadian Navy] with many benefits, most notably the impressive availability of the RCN's LM2500 fleet over the initial 14 years of the GE contract, which averaged 99.85 percent"

The LM2500 gas turbines are manufactured in the United States at a GE Marine facility in Ohio.

Backed by GE's extensive network of global field service technicians, the RCN has access to GE services located throughout the globe, providing immediate onsite around-the-clock technical support, GE said.

The new contract, similar to previous awards, provides for repair, overhaul and engineering support for the engines; parts warehousing and inventory management; support of RCN naval engineering school training curriculum for on-engine and equipment maintenance, and more.