Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) announced that it has been contracted to provide and test an nForcer high-speed motor to qualify for the Navy’s Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV) platform. To qualify, the engine must run for a minimum of 720 hours in a ground test environment without human intervention. Testing will begin in the third quarter of 2023.
“The LUSV platform has unprecedented power and propulsion requirements, which means the Navy needs a power-dense engine with a reliable track record,” said FMD CEO George Whittier. “While the nForcer is the most powerful high-speed engine on the market, this award will drive incremental design improvements to support extended unmanned operations in a marine environment. It is an outstanding example of the many technology solutions that offers FMDs that align with the distinctive needs of the LUSV program.”
The FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires 720 hours of critical systems demonstration for the LUSV platform. The engine’s low lubricating oil consumption, which supports unmanned mission intervals of 90 days, allows for extended engine operation.
FMD, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, launched the nForcer, FMD’s first high-speed engine, earlier this year. It will be available with 12, 16 or 20 cylinders and includes a diameter of 175 millimeters for mechanical or electric propulsion for on-board power generation. The engine runs at 1,800 – 2,000 RPM and has a power rating of 1,740 – 4,400 kW, making it one of the most powerful high speed engines available for marine use.
FMD anticipates that the nForcer engine will be ready for integration with U.S. naval platforms within the next two years.
