Leonardo DRS Unveils Cutting-Edge Hybrid Electric Drive System for the Next Generation of USCG Offshore Patrol Cutters
Leonardo DRS Inc. has declared today that it has been selected once more for a contract by Eastern Shipbuilding Group to supply the Auxiliary Propulsion System for the fourth shipset in the U.S. Coast Guard’s new range of Offshore Patrol Cutters. This vessel marks the inaugural combined diesel electric or diesel propulsion system application for the Coast Guard. Eastern Shipbuilding Group serves as the primary contractor and manufacturer of these state-of-the-art Offshore Patrol Cutters.
As part of the contract, Leonardo DRS will deliver its high-efficiency, permanent magnet motor-driven Auxiliary Propulsion System. This integrated hybrid electric drive system has been fine-tuned to align with the Coast Guard’s operational tempo, enabling the vessel to function much more effectively at lower speeds, elevating mission duration capabilities, minimizing emissions, and offering emergency return-to-port functionality in case of main propulsion diesel engine failure. When attached to the main propulsion gearbox, this setup enables the vessel to function quietly and efficiently during loitering missions while providing outstanding fuel economy for prolonged on-station operations and enhanced operational capacity.
Maximizing the use of the electric drive amplifies the platform’s eco-friendly profile and reduces operational reliance on the main propulsion engines, delivering multiple additional advantages. Since electric motors demand minimal maintenance, life cycle costs over the anticipated 40-year lifespan of the vessel are significantly curtailed due to reduced maintenance hours required for the engines. Operating diesel engines at reduced speeds contributes to notable wear and increases the risk of coking/wet stacking. By incorporating this electric Auxiliary Propulsion System, the Coast Guard is anticipated to achieve a built-in advantage in decreasing fuel and maintenance necessities, as well as total life cycle costs and enhancing fleet safety. The main engine overhaul cycle, typically scheduled for every 15 years, can now be extended to 25 years.
“Leonardo DRS stands at the forefront of innovation in naval hybrid electric drive technology, and we take pride in supplying our cutting-edge technology to the Coast Guard’s next-gen Cutters,” stated Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Power division. “These innovative propulsion systems will offer operational adaptability while drastically enhancing savings on annual maintenance and fuel, allowing crews to concentrate more on their missions.”
The Auxiliary Propulsion System is meticulously crafted and manufactured by Leonardo DRS, and it has demonstrated its efficacy in various Oil and Gas, Marine, and Transport sectors. The system incorporates two of the most power-efficient permanent magnet motors available today, providing noteworthy advantages in terms of dimension, weight, efficiency, and performance compared to traditional electric induction motors, generating more torque from the same input current. Their compact design enables greater adaptability in engine room layout and expanded cargo capacity, while their simpler and more robust construction results in verified reliability and longevity.
