Rolls Royce to supply MTU generator sets for Constellation class frigate USS Congress.

According to a PR published by Rolls Royce on March 21, 2023, the Power Systems division of Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply a further four of its mtu naval generator sets for the USS Congress (FFG-63), the second ship in the U.S. Navy’s Constellation Class Guided-Missile Frigate program, previously known as the FFG(X) program.
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Artist rendering of the future Constellation class frigate USS Constellation. (Picture source: FMM)

Rolls-Royce is currently supplying mtu gensets for the lead ship in the Constellation Class program, the USS Constellation (FFG 62), relying on its established team in Friedrichshafen, Germany, to fulfil the project.

For the second ship, the FFG-63, the company has successfully transferred advanced technology and detailed manufacturing processes to the US, investing in new facility improvements and creating new jobs to enhance its Aiken and Mankato plants.

This investment will not only accommodate the specific needs of the FFG(X) program but also support future potential US naval business. Among the significant investments made at the facilities are new assembly tooling and material handling equipment, upgraded hoist systems, adapted test cells and building expansion, in addition to the creation of up to 20 new jobs.

The USS Congress (FFG-63) is a multi-mission warship designed for operation in littoral and blue water environments to conduct air, anti-submarine, surface and electronic warfare, in addition to information operations.

The four generator sets, each rated at 3000 kWe, are based on the proven and most power-dense mtu 20V 4000 M53B engine and will provide a total power output of 12 MW for propulsion and on-board power supply.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) of Marinette, Wisc. was awarded the build contract for the project. The completed vessel will be powered by a combined diesel-electric and gas turbine, allowing for energy-efficient diesel power generation for propulsion at normal cruising speeds with extended range, while enhancing anti-submarine capability in its extremely quiet diesel-electric configuration.

About the Constellation class frigate

The Constellation class is a type of guided-missile frigate with a displacement of 7,291 tons when fully loaded. It has a length of 496 feet (151.18 meters) and a beam of 65 feet (19.81 meters).

The propulsion system is CODLAG, which includes 1 General Electric LM2500+G4 gas turbine, 2 electric propulsion motors, 4 ship service diesel generators, and 1 auxiliary propulsion unit.

The frigate can achieve a speed in excess of 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph) and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph) using electric drive.

The ship carries 2 rigid-hulled inflatable boats and can accommodate up to 200 personnel. The crew consists of 24 officers and 176 enlisted crew members.