Rolls-Royce plc, BAYVIEW, Idaho: The US Navy's Office of Naval Research today unveiled its new advanced electric-ship demonstrator ship, SEA JET, for the first time.
The ship will test Rolls-Royce patented AWJ-21 waterjet technology over the next six months on Lake Pend Oreille at the Navy's Acoustic Research Department in Bayview, Idaho.
The AWJ-21 is designed to increase ship speed, making hulls sleeker by working without rudders, shafts and propeller struts. Unlike conventional waterjets, the system works completely underwater, reducing noise and surface wake and improving stealth.
The lightweight and compact AWJ-21 allows ships to operate in shallow waters. Its integrated steering and reversing system improves maneuverability at low speeds.
Pat Marolda, Rolls-Royce President — Naval, said: “This is a significant milestone in our development of an advanced waterjet technology which offers new parameters in performance, bringing real benefits to the US Navy.”
Background Information and Notes:
–The Bayview facility is run by Naval Sea System Command's Naval Surface Warfare Center Acoustic Research Detachment.
–Rolls-Royce has a leading role in waterjet technology, supplying equipment for the Techno-Superliner in Japan and the US Navy's X-Craft and Lockheed Martin Littoral Combat Ship prototype.
–The 133ft-long ship, known as an Advanced Electric Ship Demonstrator, is based on an advanced destroyer hull form. It was built by Dakota Creek Industries Inc., Anacortes, Washington in modules, which were then assembled at Idaho.
–Rolls-Royce also took the role of prime contractor for ship construction and system integration of the diesel/battery electric drive propulsion system.
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