Avio Delivers the First Engine for the FREMM Frigates

This morning, in the presence of representatives from the Italian Defence Ministry and the local institutions, Avio delivered to the French shipyards the first turbine to equip the new Italian-French frigates FREMM.

Avio was awarded the contract in 2006 following an international tender procedure. It is the most important naval contract launched in Europe since the post-war years: 27 multi-mission frigates, constructed at the DCNS and the Fincantieri shipyards, to begin service in the course of the next few years. Ten frigates are meant for the Italian Navy and 17 for the French Navy.

The delivery of the first propulsion module to the French shipyards will be followed in July by the delivery of the first Italian turbine to Fincantieri. The propulsion module designed by Avio uses a General Electric/Avio LM2500+G4 turbine derived from aeronautical experience, Avio also designed the new electronic turbine control system and the auxiliary systems.

The 27 turbine propulsion modules and the relative auxiliary systems will be assembled at the Avio plant in Brindisi, a centre of excellence for defence sector activities that provides work for about 700 people.

Avio’s propulsion modules in the LM2500 family are already used by the Italian and French Navies, to mention the most recent applications, the Italian-French Horizon frigates and the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour.

The LM2500+G4 is the latest and most advanced version of the LM2500 family modules, of which over two thousand units have been produced in 30 years for marine and industrial applications. Adopted by the Navies of 30 countries the world over, the LM2500 has demonstrated its extremely high reliability during millions of hours of operation.

Founded in 1908, Avio is a leader in the aerospace sector and is present in Italy and abroad with 16 plants and 4800 employees. Avio is a market leader in 3 main strategic areas: aeronautical and aero-derived propulsion, space propulsion, MR&O and support services. Avio is a world leader for mechanical transmissions for aircraft and aero-derived engines and number one in Europe in the field of launchers and solid propellant propulsion systems.