Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a contract by Eastern Shipbuilding, to provide hybrid electric drive systems for the U.S. Coast Guard’s new fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters. Eastern Shipbuilding is the prime contractor and builder of these next-generation Offshore Patrol Cutters.
Under the contract, Leonardo DRS will provide its permanent magnet motor-based Auxiliary Propulsion System. This integrated hybrid electric drive system provides capability for the ship to operate much more efficiently at slower speeds, increases mission duration capability, reduces emissions and provides emergency take-home capability in the event of a failure of the main propulsion diesel engines. When coupled to the main propulsion gearbox, the system allows the ship to operate quietly and efficiently during loitering operations, while providing fuel economy for increased on-station operations and capability.
“DRS is a pioneer in naval hybrid electric drive technologies and we are proud to be able to deliver these advanced systems to the Coast Guard’s newest generation of ships,” said Dianne Howells, Vice President of Leonardo DRS Surface Ships business unit. “Our Auxiliary Propulsion Systems will give the crews of these new ships operational flexibility when they need it, while significantly increasing cost savings in yearly maintenance and fuel.”
The system includes two power-dense permanent magnet motors. They have advantages in size and weight over conventional electric induction motors and produce more torque from the same amount of supplied current.
Source & Image credit: Leonardo DRS
