Deliver Your News to the World

Rolls-Royce launches lightest waterjet for naval market


WEBWIRE

Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has launched a new waterjet for naval markets. The Kamewa FF67 will be the latest in the FF-series of aluminium waterjets, which are the lightest and most powerful in their power range.

The new waterjet, available from late 2009, will also be suitable for commercial marine and offshore markets.

Rolls-Royce, which pioneered the application of waterjets in naval vessels, said the FF67, which will be the most powerful of the FF series, is an entirely new design incorporating built-in hydraulics for the first time. This will save installation time at shipyards and guarantee smooth start-up.

At high speeds, the unrivalled efficiency of waterjet propulsion offers either a greater top speed or better fuel economy. No reversing gearbox is required, stopping distances are short and craft can turn on the spot or even manoeuvre sideways.

Jay Dagher - Area Manager – Naval for the Rolls-Royce marine business in the Middle East and South America, said: “The FF67 is suitable for a range of vessels, including large naval boats, fast ferries and crew boats. The FF series is a market leader and has sold more than 4,000 units since the first design was introduced to the market in the early 1980s.”

Rolls-Royce has already provided Kamewa FF550 waterjets for 12 Fast Patrol Boats and four Fast Supply Vessels built by ADSB for the UAE Navy and UAE Coast Guard. Kamewa waterjets also help power the six 72m Baynunah Class corvettes that Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) is building for the UAE Navy. In addition, Kamewa FF375S waterjets also power the ADSB Sea Keeper high-speed landing craft.

Kamewa waterjets in service in the Arabian Gulf region will, following an agreement signed in August 2008, be maintained at a new Waterjet Service Centre being established with ADSB.

The FF67 will weigh approximately 1650kg, including the hydraulic valve block and the redesigned axial flow pump provides more thrust over the whole speed range. This offers higher bollard pull and improved acceleration.

In addition, a completely new steering nozzle, developed from the Kamewa A3 series, allows turning at high speed. An improved reversing “bucket” system provides reversing efficiency of up to 65 per cent of forward thrust.

The waterjet’s lightweight design is achieved through a combination of an aluminium frame and an inlet duct manufactured from welded aluminium sheet.

This production method also gives improved anti-corrosion characteristics and allows the waterjet to be customised to meet customer requirements.

1. Rolls-Royce has a growing presence in the Middle East, where it is playing an important role in the development of the region across all the Group’s sectors - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.
2. The Group has a broad customer base comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. It employs around 39,000 people worldwide people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people.
3. The Marine business of Rolls-Royce employs over 8,000 people in 34 countries with the main manufacturing centres being in the UK, the Nordic countries, the United States and increasingly Asia.
4. Rolls-Royce is a world leader in marine solutions, providing products, service and expertise to more than 20,000 commercial and naval vessels in the offshore, merchant, naval and submarines markets. It designs ships and its product range includes propulsion systems featuring diesel engines and gas turbines, propellers, thrusters and water jets. Rolls-Royce also provides manoeuvring and stabilising systems and deck machinery. About 40 per cent of marine turnover comes from aftermarket service support, with a global customer support network of sales and service centres in 33 countries. Rolls-Royce equipment is in service with more than 70 navies.
5. Rolls-Royce continues to invest in core technologies, products, people and capabilities with the objective of broadening and strengthening the product portfolio, improving efficiency and enhancing the environmental performance of its products. These investments create high barriers to entry.



WebWireID88108





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.