US Navy approves Rolls-Royce engines for unmanned vessels operating up to 30 days

The US Navy has approved Rolls-Royce marine engines for unmanned vessels that can operate for up to 30 days without crews onboard.

The certification covers mtu Series 4000 and mtu Series 2000 engines after tests assessed their suitability for extended autonomous naval missions. The Series 4000 completed two separate 720-hour durability assessments and was approved for propulsion and onboard electricity generation.

The Series 4000 can provide up to 4,300 kilowatts for propulsion and up to 3,000 kilowatts through its electrical generation system. The smaller Series 2000 received approval after component checks and operational trials, with propulsion output reaching 1,939 kilowatts.

The Navy is expanding its use of unmanned surface vessels for missions that can keep sailors away from danger. It has already deployed Sea Hunter vessels fitted with twin mtu 12V 2000 engines supplied by Rolls-Royce.

The certification followed requirements established through the National Defense Authorization Act. Rolls-Royce also supplies propulsion equipment for the MQ-4C Triton and MQ-25A Stingray, as well as engines used by the United States Air Force's RQ-4 Global Hawk.

The approval does not mean every vessel will automatically achieve 30-day endurance. Actual duration depends on vessel design, speed, weather, payload, fuel capacity, mission demands, and maintenance requirements.