GE CEO Youngje Kim: "The Heart of KDDX is a Proven Product"

GE plans to propose the LM2500 series gas turbine along with an integrated electric propulsion system for the KDDX.

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] At the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2021) held in Busan until the 12th, an overseas propulsion system supplier caught the attention of visitors. It is GE (General Electric Company), which has thrown down the gauntlet for the propulsion system projects of the Republic of Korea Navy’s next-generation destroyer (KDDX) and light aircraft carrier (CVX).

GE plans to propose the LM2500 series gas turbines along with an integrated electric propulsion system for the KDDX. Over the past 50 years, GE has been producing the LM2500 series gas turbines and has already been validated by navies worldwide. Additionally, GE has supplied integrated electric propulsion systems to the British Royal Navy’s Type-45 destroyers and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, as well as the U.S. Navy’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, holding the unique record of supplying integrated electric propulsion systems for surface combatants.

Kim Young-je, the head of GE Aviation Korea (pictured), said, “The delivery record of 37,000 civilian aircraft engines and 27,000 military aircraft engines worldwide alone can be considered sufficient evaluation,” adding, “The LM Marine Gas Turbine, derived from aircraft engines, is also produced at a local factory in Ohio, USA, manufacturing six types of LM gas turbines including the LM2500, with over 1,500 units delivered to naval vessels worldwide.”

He further noted, “Recently, by applying soundproof enclosures made of lightweight composite materials, the weight was reduced by 50% and noise by 60% compared to conventional enclosures.” He emphasized, “Since the installation of the LM2500 gas turbine on U.S. naval vessels in 1969, continuous performance improvements have been made. Among the LM series gas turbines, the highest output LM6000 has passed the U.S. Navy’s special performance shock test and received classification approval.”

Mr. Kim also highlighted the strength of the electric propulsion system alongside the ship engines. As mentioned earlier, GE supplied integrated electric propulsion systems to the British Royal Navy’s Type-45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and the U.S. Navy’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, proving the excellence and reliability of the propulsion systems. In particular, the British Royal Navy’s Type-45 destroyer is recognized as the world’s first destroyer to apply an integrated electric propulsion system and is considered the most similar vessel to the Republic of Korea Navy’s next-generation destroyer (KDDX). He added, “Currently, the U.S. Navy is also reviewing the application of a similar integrated electric propulsion system for its next-generation destroyer DDG(X) project,” and “The Republic of Korea Navy has already adopted GE’s integrated electric propulsion system on the Cheonghae-ho information ship and the Defense Science Research Institute.”

Mr. Kim introduced the advantages of an integrated solution that provides comprehensive services from engines to electric propulsion systems. He said, “How to integrate and manage the gas turbine, which is the heart of the ship, along with generators and propulsion motors determines the ship’s mission performance and survivability,” praising, “GE not only has world-class reliability in engines but also holds unique technology in electric propulsion systems, making it the world’s best in integrated management.”

GE plans to collaborate with Hanwha Aerospace to promote technology transfer, local parts production, and close maintenance support for follow-up logistics support of Korean vessels.

Mr. Kim said, “Hanwha Aerospace produces more than $250 million worth of gas turbine and aircraft engine parts annually, not only for the navy but also for other sectors, and is expected to enhance its technological capabilities aiming for integrated logistics support in the future.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.