• A Rolls Royce Engineer during a test of an MT30 gas turbine. The MT30 (based on the RR Trent 800 aero engine) will be fitted to the Type 26 frigates. Credit: Rolls Royce PLC
    A Rolls Royce Engineer during a test of an MT30 gas turbine. The MT30 (based on the RR Trent 800 aero engine) will be fitted to the Type 26 frigates. Credit: Rolls Royce PLC
  • A cutaway of Roll Royce's MT30 turbine. Credit: RR
    A cutaway of Roll Royce's MT30 turbine. Credit: RR
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Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply its MT30 gas turbine to power a new class of frigates for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF).

The MT-30 is on offer to the RAN as part of BAE System’s bid for Sea 5000.

The selection means Japan is the fifth nation to select the MT30 for a major naval ship building program.

"Japan’s selection of the MT30 is very significant and means that the three largest users of marine gas turbines have all endorsed the capabilities of the MT30 and selected it to power significant future programs,” Sam Cameron, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President Defence, said.

“The MT30 is the world’s most power dense marine gas turbine in service today, a key feature for naval ships where high power in minimum space, whilst meeting the operational power demands of the future, is essential.

“The increased demand for power by the world’s navies is a clear trend and for Japan we will deliver a power rating in excess of 40 megawatts, the highest so far for this gas turbine unrestricted by global climate conditions.

“The power and performance of this modern gas turbine is providing shipbuilders and system designers with new options, choices and the ability to futureproof their latest naval platforms, combined with the additional benefits of through-life power retention with ultra-low on-board maintenance requirements.

“We have a long and successful history of powering Japan’s naval fleet which stretches back almost 50 years, and our strategic relationship with local partner Kawasaki Heavy Industries has seen us provide more than 200 gas turbines. We look forward to the next chapter in this successful relationship with 30FFM.”

Construction of the first of the 30FFM class frigates will begin next year, with entry into service expected around 2022.
In addition to the Japanese frigates, the MT30 powers the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, the US Navy’s Freedom Class variant of the Littoral Combat Ship and DDG-1000 destroyers, South Korea’s FFXII frigate, and Italy’s forthcoming Landing Helicopter Docks.

Rolls-Royce recently partnered with Australian firm Marand for the MT30 gas turbine enclosure manufacture and integration, should BAE Systems' Global Combat Ship be chosen as the Future Frigate.

Rolls-Royce is providing a range of products to the Type 26, including the MT30 gas turbine, MTU diesel generators, mission bay handling system, propellers, steering gear and stabilisers, and refuelling at sea equipment.

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