Article Posted on : - May 27, 2011

U.S. Navy LCS 2 Independence

EVENDALE, OHIO (BNS): The US Navy’s third LCS-Class-Independence variant to be named USS Jackson, will be powered by GE’s LM2500 gas turbine.

Brien Bolsinger, GE Marine general manager said, this newest vessel brings the total to six LM2500s GE will provide to power Austal USA-built LCS-Class-Independence variants and is part of a contract for up to 10 ships over a five-year period.

The LM2500 remains GE's most popular gas turbine, used by 31 navies worldwide, logging more than 13 million operating hours in marine service.

The 127-meter aluminum trimaran LCS is an agile surface combatant that can be deployed independently to overseas littoral regions. It can remain on station for an extended period either with a battle group or through a forward-basing arrangement, and is capable of underway replenishment.

The LM2500 gas turbines for the LCS will be delivered to Austal USA in May 2012, GE said.