GE Aerospace will supply eight additional LM500 marine gas turbine engines for the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) PKX-B Batch-II patrol boat program for ships nine through twelve, extending its role as a key propulsion provider for these advanced vessels. This order, following the March 2023 selection for vessels one through four and the vessels five through eight in March 2024, reaffirms the LM500’s reliability and performance in demanding naval applications.
The PKX-B Batch-II patrol boats enhance the ROKN’s littoral defense with rapid response and firepower in coastal and near-shore operations. The engine’s compact design, high power-to-weight ratio, and fuel efficiency serve as the boost engine in a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) configuration. This configuration allows the PKX-B Batch-II vessels to achieve high speeds for rapid response missions, while maintaining fuel economy during cruising operations. The LM500 gas turbine’s proven power and reliability make it the ideal choice for the PKX-B mission.
“This contract award reinforces GE Aerospace’s position as a trusted provider of marine propulsion systems for navies that demand the best,” said Mark Musheno, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, GE Aerospace Marine Engines & Systems business. “We are pleased to extend our long-standing relationship with the Republic of Korea Navy, soon to be powering 77 ships with 156 marine gas turbines.“
The gas turbine hardware will be manufactured in Lynn, MA, and delivered to Hanwha Aerospace who will assemble and test the engines before delivering them for installation. Hanwha, a long-standing in-country licensee for GE Aerospace, also co-manufactures engine components for the ROKN and provides spares and services support for the life of the ship. Working with GE Aerospace field service that provide direct support to the Korean Navy in-country highlights GE Aerospace’s commitment to building strategic relationships that leverage both global expertise and local capabilities.
