Rolls-Royce achieved a significant milestone for the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme, the company said in its press release. At a ceremony in Bristol the company marked the completion of a successful factory acceptance test for the first MT30 Gas Turbine for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship in the presence of the Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne MP, and representatives of prime contractor BAE Systems.
Rolls-Royce has signed a contract to supply MT30 gas turbines for the first three Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ships. The company has also signed Design Development Agreements (DDAs) with BAE Systems for steering gear, stabilisers, and mission bay handling equipment. There is also a DDA in place for diesel generator sets to power the ship’s electric drive system.
The factory acceptance test, which has to be completed before the gas turbine can be delivered, was carried out at the Rolls-Royce Test Facility in Bristol. The engine was put through a week of rigorous performance tests, witnessed by representatives from BAE Power Systems.
The MT30 is derived from Rolls-Royce Trent aero engine technology and builds on over 45 million hours of operating experience and ultra-high reliability. It is initially built as separate modules on the same build line as the Rolls-Royce Trent aerospace engines in Derby. It is then assembled at the company’s Bristol facility.
Rolls-Royce MT30s are also being installed in the Royal Navy’s new Aircraft Carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales. They are also in service with the US Navy and have been selected for the Republic of Korea Navy’s latest Frigate programme.