Hyosung has awarded an over $9m contract to DRS to design and produce a hybrid electric drive (HED) propulsion system in support of the Korean Navy’s future Incheon-class multipurpose vessel FFX Batch II (FFX-II).
DRS’ maritime and combat support systems group will design, test, and produce the hybrid electric drive (HED) permanent magnet motors and associated motor drives for the first ship-set.
DRS maritime and combat support systems group president Roger Sexauer said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for DRS to become a primary player in marine hybrid drive systems and to continue to expand our products into international markets."
HED permanent magnet motors have significant advantages in size, weight and power over conventional electric motors and can produce more torque from the same amount of supplied current.
The complementary naval marine advanced HED motor drives provide significant fuel and maintenance cost savings as well as operational flexibility when integrated into a ship propulsion system.
Expected to replace the aging fleet of Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates for the Korean Navy, the Incheon-class coastal defence ships can conduct multi-role operations such as coast patrol, anti-submarine warfare and transport support.
The Korean Navy is planning to procure up to eight FFX-II ships over the next several years while the ship is under construction by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed in 2015.
