Propulsion decision for Constellation-class frigates
Turbines selected for key USN programme that will deliver new fleet of frigate to the service
GE Marine has been selected to provide its LM2500+G4 gas turbine and control system for the USN’s future Constellation-class frigate, it was announced on 16 December.
Based on Fincantieri’s FREMM frigate design in service with the Italian Navy, the Constellation class will feature the same gas turbine in a CODLAG propulsion configuration throughout the first ten-ship constructed under the USN’s FFG(X) programme.
The LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine was introduced in 2012 with the commissioning of the French Navy's FREMM multipurpose frigate Aquitaine, which was also a ten-ship programme. Since then, the LM2500+G4 has been selected for the Italian Navy's FREMM frigates and Pattugliatori Polivalenti d'Altura multipurpose offshore patrol ships; the first of seven PPA's will be commissioned in 2021.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
-
![Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy]()
Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy
The latest trials of Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile in two locations proved its effectiveness in combatting real-world uncrewed threats.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
