The new water jet will be the smallest Rolls-Royce
design to date, with a diameter of just 100 millimetres, and will quietly
propel the craft through the water on remotely controlled missions that include
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Rolls-Royce will develop the water
jet part of the innovative small propulsion system, part of a US Government
funded Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project led by Candent
Technologies Inc.
Dennis Duke, Rolls-Royce, Advanced
Programs Director - Naval Marine Inc. added: “We are developing and adapting
our world-leading water jet technologies as part of a highly efficient
propulsion system which will enable these advanced craft to go about their
duties criss-crossing waterways and oceans, often for months at a time.
"Unmanned craft are a fast growing and exciting part of
naval marine technology
and we’re delighted to be working with Candent and the US
Navy in developing this groundbreaking propulsion system."
Known as MUSCL, the US Navy’s Modular Unmanned Surface Craft
Littoral, is an X class unmanned surface vessel, designed to reduce risk to
manned forces and perform tedious and repetitive surveillance tasks. The water
jets will provide thrust to move the craft at speeds in excess of 25 knots as
well as sustaining a cruise speed of 15 knots.
Rolls-Royce manufactures a wide range
of water jets that power craft ranging from small patrol boats, to naval ships
and the world’s largest high speed ferries. Water jets provide high levels of
manoeuvrability and efficiency and are particularly suited to vessels operating
in shallow waters.
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