Matthew Nelson
Leonardo DRS has started the development of a hybrid electric drive platform that will power a U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter vessel, Military .com reported Wednesday.
The platform consists of two magnet motors that run at 625 horsepower and work to provide the ship's diesel engines with auxiliary propulsion, optimize fuel usage and lower engine wear and tear as well as emission rates.
Greg Reed, senior director for business development at Leonardo DRS' naval power business, said the system is designed to support anti-submarine warfare missions and allow vessels to operate at slow speeds to mitigate stress buildup.
Leonardo DRS' magnet motor platforms for drive applications are used by oil and gas companies and are currently providing power for the South Korean government's Daegu-class frigates.
Reed also noted that the firm intends to offer the system to the U.S. Navy for the FFG[X] multimission ships.
