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STM is
the program manager for these new two ships, and will provide platform
systems, construction materials, design services and the main propulsion
systems, as well as integration of the propulsion system. In addition
to the services provided to the Turkish Navy, STM has export responsibility
of the MILGEM corvettes with the endorsement of the country’s
Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (Savunma Sanayii Müstesarligi
or SSM). In accordance with export targets, STM is expected to have
further collaboration opportunities with GE Marine.
The propulsion system for the two new MILGEM ships will be the same
as sisters TCG Heybeliada (F-511) and TCG Büyükada (F-512),
consisting of a LM2500 gas turbine in a combined diesel and gas turbine
configuration with two diesel engines. Total propulsion power is 31,000
kilowatts, allowing the ships to reach maximum speed in excess of 29
knots. The corvettes have an overall length of 99 meters with a displacement
of 2,300 tons.
The initial two MILGEM corvettes entered naval service in September
2011 and September 2013, respectively. Additionally 24 LM2500s operate
aboard the Turkish Navy’s Barbaros- and Gabya-class frigates.
Worldwide, the LM2500 gas turbine is used by 32 international navies
and in countless industrial applications.
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