DRS
Technologies Inc. announced today a contract award to design and produce
a Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) propulsion system for the Republic of
Korea Navy's future Incheon-class multipurpose frigate known as FFX
Batch II (FFX-II).
The contract, valued at more than $9 million USD, was awarded to DRS's
Maritime and Combat Support Systems group by Korea's Hyosung Corporation
and will include the design, testing, and production of hybrid electric
drive (HED) permanent magnet motors and associated motor drives for
the first ship-set to be delivered in 2015. |
The Incheon-class
frigates are coastal defense frigates of the Republic of Korea (ROK)
Navy. The frigates are expected to replace the aging fleet of Pohang-class
corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and to take over multi-role operations
such as coast patrol, anti-submarine warfare and transport support.
The first FFX-II ship is being built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine
Engineering and will include a DRS HED system that will allow for more
efficient and quiet operation of the propulsion plant. Up to eight FFX-II
ships are planned over the next several years.
DRS's HED permanent magnet motors, designed and built by DRS Power Technology,
Inc. in Fitchburg, MA, have significant advantages in size, weight and
power over conventional electric motors and produce more torque from
the same amount of supplied current. Their smaller footprint allows
more flexibility in engine room design and increased cargo space, and
their simpler construction results in proven reliability and durability.
The complementary naval marine advanced HED motor drives are designed
and built by DRS Power and Control Technologies in Milwaukee, WI. With
high efficiency performance at full and part load, these systems can
provide significant fuel and maintenance costs savings, along with operational
flexibility, when incorporated into a ship propulsion system.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for DRS to become a primary player
in marine hybrid drive systems and to continue to expand our products
into international markets," said Roger Sexauer, President of the
DRS Maritime and Combat Support Systems Group. "The Korean shipbuilding
industry is one of the strongest in the world and we are thrilled to
now be a part of it." |
