New Generation Gas Turbine for Small Boat Propulsion

The next generation of riverine craft and naval unmanned surface vehicles will require more capability, including higher payload and volume needed to carry more troops and their equipment, increased ballistic protection, more weapons, and additional mission equipment. In order to meet system integration requirements and maintain the maneuverability and agility required for survivability, these craft must be kept near the weight of current craft, while still attaining the required mission range and capability. Because the propulsion system is such a high percentage of the overall weight, it is considered to be a high payoff candidate for weight reduction initiatives. Candent Technologies is developing a new generation of small gas turbine engines which are particularly applicable to small riverine craft. This new generation of highly efficient turbine engines retains the light weight and small size characteristic of gas turbines, but their fuel consumption is close to that of a diesel engine. This low cost engine is based on the Proof of Concept prototype designed, built, and tested by Candent Technologies under contract to the US Army. The proposed engine will provide substantial weight savings and improved performance for the next generation of riverine craft.