Newest LPD Flight II ship to feature Fairbanks Morse engines
Fairbanks Morse announced on 24 June that it has been selected by Huntington Ingalls Industries to build and deliver the four main propulsion diesel engines for the USN’s newest Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious vessel in the 13-ship LPD Flight II class.
Each of the four sequentially turbocharged 16-cylinder Colt-Pielstick PC 2.5 diesel engines in LPD 31 will feature common rail fuel injection technology and will deliver more than 31MW of propulsion power.
Because of the common rail fuel injection technology, Fairbanks Morse believes it can reduce lifetime operation and maintenance costs by increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing emissions.
CEO George Whittier said: ‘The LPD Flight II ships will be a critical part of the Navy’s expeditionary warfare mission set, which includes opposed landings, and we take great pride in making engines that may go in harm’s way.’
Based on the existing San Antonio-class hull, the LPD Flight II design has been modified with several additional features including an improved flight deck, a well deck, hospital facilities, and defensive features.
LPD Flight II ships also have vehicle and cargo capacity to support and sustain more than 500 combat-equipped Marines for up to 30 days.
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