Super-light waterjet engine powers into naval market

At high speeds, the unrivalled efficiency of waterjet propulsion offers either a greater top speed or better fuel economy. Furthermore, no reversing gearbox is required, stopping distances are short and craft can turn on the spot or even manoeuvre sideways.

Worldwide power systems company Rolls-Royce claims its new Kamewa FF67 model will be the latest in the FF-series of aluminium waterjets that are the lightest and most powerful in their range. It will be available from late 2009 and is suitable for commercial marine and offshore markets.

Rolls-Royce, which pioneered the application of waterjets in naval vessels, said the FF67 - the most powerful of the FF series - is an entirely new design incorporating built-in hydraulics for the first time. This will save installation time at shipyards and guarantee smooth start-up, it says.

Rolls - Royce

The company has already provided Kamewa FF550 waterjets for 12 fast patrol boats and four fast supply vessels built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) for the United Arab Emirates navy and the UAE coast guard.

Kamewa waterjets also help power the six 72-metre Baynunah-class corvettes that ADSB is building for the UAE navy. In addition, Kamewa FF375S waterjets also power the ADSB Sea Keeper high-speed landing craft.

Kamewa waterjets in service in the Arabian Gulf region will, following an agreement signed in 2008, be maintained at a new waterjet service centre being established with ADSB.

Jay Dagher - who is an area manager for Rolls-Royce’s marine business in the Middle East and South America - said: “The FF67 is suitable for a range of vessels, including large naval boats, fast ferries and crew boats. The FF series is a market leader and has sold more than 4,000 units since the first design was introduced to the market in the early 1980s.”

The FF67 will weigh about 1,650kg, including the hydraulic valve block, and the redesigned axial-flow pump provides more thrust over the whole speed range. This offers higher bollard pull and improved acceleration.

In addition, a completely new steering nozzle, developed from the Kamewa A3 series, allows turning at high speed. An improved reversing “bucket” system provides reversing efficiency of up to 65 per cent of forward thrust.

The FF67 is suitable for a range of vessels, including large naval boats, fast ferries and crew boats. The FF series is a market leader and has sold more than 4,000 units since the first design was introduced to the market in the early 1980s

Jay Dagher

Area Manager

Rolls-Royce’s marine business, Middle East and South America

The waterjet’s lightweight design is achieved through a combination of an aluminium frame and an inlet duct manufactured from welded aluminium sheet. This production method also gives improved anti-corrosion characteristics and allows the waterjet to be customised to meet customer requirements.

Rolls-Royce has a growing presence in the Middle East where it is playing an important role in the development of the region across all the group’s sectors - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.

The group has a broad customer base comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries.

It employs about 39,000 people worldwide people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries and has businesses headquartered in the UK, United States, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China.

This global presence allows Rolls-Royce to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people. Its marine business employs more than 8,000 people in 34 countries with the main manufacturing centres being in the UK, the Nordic countries, the US and increasingly Asia.

Rolls-Royce is a world leader in marine solutions, providing products, service and expertise to more than 20,000 commercial and naval vessels in the offshore, merchant, naval and submarines markets.

It designs ships and its product range includes propulsion systems featuring diesel engines and gas turbines, propellers, thrusters and water jets. Rolls-Royce also provides manoeuvring and stabilising systems and deck machinery.

About 40 per cent of marine turnover comes from aftermarket service support, with a global customer support network of sales and service centres in 33 countries. Rolls-Royce equipment is in service with more than 70 navies.