In what comes as a major boost for the Indian Navy, American aircraft engine supplier GE Aerospace will offer six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits to power the Navy's Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) programme.
These vessels are currently under construction at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kerala's Kochi. The new vessels, which will reach a max speed of 35 knots and carry an array of anti-surface weapons, have been described as a force multiplier for their naval capabilities.
The engines will be delivered for assembly and testing by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bengaluru. HAL has assembled and tested all LM2500 gas turbines that power the Navy’s P17 and P17A (Nilgiri class) warships.
Designed for various naval applications, including frigates and destroyers, LM2500 engines are known for their reliability and high performance, providing up to 25,060 kW power and a specific fuel consumption of 0.373 lb/shp-hr.
The company will also provide composite bases, enclosures, and a full complement of gas turbine auxiliary systems along with the engines.
“The LM2500 gas turbine’s proven power and reliability make it the ideal choice for the NGMV mission. We are proud to continue our collaboration with HAL to deliver this critical technology for India’s maritime defense,” GE Aerospace Defense & Systems President and CEO Amy Gowder said.
“GE Aerospace has been our valued partner for several decades in the marine applications and aerospace. For various programmes of Indian Navy, HAL has partnered with GE Aerospace on the LM2500 Gas Turbine Engine. With addition of NGMV programme, our partnership will further strengthen to greater heights," HAL said in a statement.