R-R to power experimental US Navy cat

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Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 28 Mar 2003 14:27

Rolls-Royce has announced today that its Kamewa waterjets have been selected for X-Craft, an experimental high-speed aluminum catamaran.

The X-Craft is a demonstrator, which may be used to prove technologies for use in the US Navy`s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

Under the contract, awarded by prime contractor The Titan Corporation, four Rolls-Royce waterjets will drive the vessel to speeds of up to 50 knots while offering greater maneuverability.

Designed by United Kingdom-based Nigel Gee and Associates Ltd, the X-Craft will be built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Whidbey Island, WA, for the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research, and will be evaluated for advanced hydrodynamic performance, structural behavior and propulsion systems efficiency of high-speed hull form technologies. The vessel measures approximately 73 meters in length and 22 meters in breadth.

“Rolls-Royce is the foremost leader in the research, development and manufacture of high-power waterjets. We are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase large waterjets to the US Navy,” said Patrick J. Marolda, President – Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc.

The waterjets will be built at Rolls-Royce AB, in Kristinehamn, Sweden.

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