Rolls-Royce completes factory acceptance test of first MT30 Gas Turbine

Rolls-Royce has successfully completed the factory acceptance test (FAT) of the first MT30 Gas Turbine for the UK Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship, at its test facility in Bristol.

The FAT is carried out before the delivery of the gas turbine and involves subjecting the engine to week-long rigorous performance tests.

Rolls-Royce president Don Roussinos said: "Successful completion of the factory acceptance test is a significant achievement for everyone involved in the Type 26 Programme.

"Producing 36MW to 40MW the MT30 gas turbine is the world’s most powerful in-service marine gas turbine with the highest power density and will deliver a high power output in a compact space, an essential factor for naval propulsion."

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The tests were overseen by representatives from BAE Power Systems.

Rolls-Royce signed a series of contracts, which included supplying MT30 gas turbines for the first three Royal Navy Type 26 Global Combat Ships, and Design Development Agreements (DDAs) with BAE Systems to develop steering gear, stabilisers, and mission bay handling equipment, as well as a current DDA in the pipeline to supply diesel generators to power the vessel’s electric drive system.

Weighing a total of 120t, each of the Rolls-Royce 36MW MT30 gas turbine alternators (GTA) are capable of delivering around 50,000hp. It is modelled on the Rolls-Royce Trent aero engine.

Rolls-Royce MT30s are also incorporated on the UK Royal navy’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.

Additionally, the MT30 gas turbines are installed on the US navy warships and have been selected for the Republic of Korea Navy’s frigate programme.

Image: Representatives of Rolls Royce, BAE systems and UK Defence Procurement. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce plc.