The South Korean Navy has announced that it will procure LM2500+G4 gas turbines for its 6 KDDX destroyers…
Under the program, GE Aerospace will supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines to power 6 platforms to be built under the South Korean Navy’s next-generation KDDX destroyer program.
The LM2500+G4 propulsion configuration will meet the power requirements of the South Korean Navy’s first platform equipped with a low-observable design integrated with radar and armed with air-defense and land-attack missiles.
Each KDDX destroyer will be equipped with 2 LM2500+G4 gas turbine engines.
The lightweight composite enclosure used for the engines will reduce weight by more than 2,500 kilograms compared to the previous steel enclosure, while reducing noise levels by 60% and wall temperatures by 14 to 28°C.
The LM2500+G4 is a two-shaft, aircraft-derived marine gas turbine capable of producing up to 36.98 MW (49,587 shp) of power.
While maintaining the same footprint as the base LM2500, the engine delivers increased power output through 33% higher airflow and higher firing temperatures.
Operating at a power turbine speed of 3,600 rpm, the LM2500+G4 features a modular design that enables faster maintenance and component replacement aboard ships.
The engine is used in mechanical and electric propulsion systems and power-generation applications aboard frigates, destroyers and other high-power naval platforms…