Gas turbine packager extends relationship with GE

Leonardo DRS will continue to manufacture GE-designed LM2500 packages for US Navy and selected international platforms until the end of 2024. The agreement includes an option to extend the supply deal through 2029.

The company provides the baseplate, enclosure, and a fully instrumented, wired and piped package for the three LM2500 engine sizes, LM2500, LM2500+ and LM2500+G4.

The collaboration between Leonardo DRS and GE started in 2011.

Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems Group Business Development senior director Greg Reed said: “The long-term partnership between GE and Leonardo DRS has provided our US Navy customer with high-quality gas turbine package systems giving the needed power and propulsion for our country’s naval fleet.

“This agreement continues that strong partnership between Leonardo DRS and GE’s Marine Solutions to ensure our customer receives the best quality systems.”

Recently, Leonardo DRS delivered its 100th LM2500 enclosure package as part of the supply deal.

The company builds naval power systems and provides design and procurement expertise for components to meet demanding shock, low noise and environmental conditions.

It delivers the LM2500 packages to GE in Evandale, Ohio. At this stage, the US Navy gas turbine is inserted and thereafter the package undergoes full-load production qualification testing.

The LM2500, which is derived from GE’s CF6 aircraft engine, is a two-shaft, high- performance engine.

It offers 33,600 shaft horsepower at 39% thermal efficiency. The turbines power US Navy ships including Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCS) and next-generation of DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.