The future of Military High Speed Vessels upto and over 120 meters was on the agenda at the The American Society of Engineers Symposium 2003 on Expeditionary Force Projection held at the Colosseum Exhibition Centre in Biloxi, at the end of February 2003.

The RK280 from MAN B&W Diesel Ltd was highlighted as emerging diesel engine technology ideally placed to meet these needs of future High Speed Military Vessels.

The opening address was given by Dr Philip Dur, President of Northrop Grumman Ship systems, supported by a number of notable presentations made by Austal, Bollinger/Incat and members of the US Navy.

Attended by over 300 participants from all divisions of the US Naval and Army forces the conference was split into three tracks, Track ‘A’ Sea Basing, Track ‘B’ Electric Propulsion/Ship Design and Track ‘C’ Design/Construction/Technology.

Mick Madely, Senior Manager, MAN B&W Diesel Ltd, comments: "The marine industry has traditionally been the driving force for engine development with the continuing demand for faster and heavier payload vessels. Market demands including higher power, reduction of cost of ownership and greater environmental friendliness have been the driving force behind the development of the RK280 the most powerful 1000 r/min engine in the world."

The RK280 range of engines; available in twelve, sixteen and twenty cylinder formats; offer significant advantages to the Military Marine Market. Its class leading fuel consumption of < 190 g/kwh and a power output of 450 kW/cyl not only make it the most powerful engine in its class but also the most efficient. The design of the engine has been achieved by utilising extensive field experience with the company's products and employing the latest design and manufacturing techniques ~ including concurrent engineering, predictive engineering and technology risk assessment.

With integrated pipework, simple free end connections and the inclusion of oil filter, cooler and thermostatic valves onto the engine the series offers a reduction in off engine components for ease of installation, reduced maintenance and low operating costs.

The development of Military High Speed Vessels from 98 meters to 112 meters and up to 125 meters is a reality with hull 112 a 112-meter vessel completed in 2003. The RK280 and ongoing investment in design and development together with its overseas offices World-wide position MAN B&W Diesel to be the supplier of choice in the fast emerging market.

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