Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) will provide and test one of its nForcer high-speed engines for qualification for the US Navy’s large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) platform.
According to the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the engine must perform for a minimum of 720 hours in a land-based test environment without human intervention in order to qualify for the LUSV platform. The engine’s low lube oil consumption, which supports 90-day unmanned mission intervals, enables the engine’s extended operation.
“The LUSV platform has unprecedented power and propulsion requirements, which means that the Navy needs a power-dense engine with a reliable track record,” said George Whittier, FMD CEO. “While the nForcer is the most power-dense high-speed engine on the market, this award will drive incremental design improvements to support extended unmanned operations in a marine environment. It’s an extraordinary example of the numerous technological solutions offered by FMD that align with the distinctive needs of the LUSV program.”
Launched in early 2023, the nForcer is FMD’s first high-speed engine. It will be available with 12, 16, or 20 cylinders and includes a 175-millimeter bore for mechanical or electric propulsion for onboard power generation. The engine operates at 1,800 – 2,000 RPMs and has a power output rating of 1,740 – 4,400 kW, making it one of the most power-dense high-speed engines available for maritime use.
With testing set to begin in Q3 2023, FMD anticipates that the nForcer engine will be ready to integrate with US Naval platforms within the next two years.
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