Avio Aero, a GE Aviation business, has received a contract to deliver its LM2500+G4 aeroderivative marine gas turbine engine for the Italian Navy’s eighth Frégate Européen multi-mission (FREMM) vessel.
The company will deliver 17 LM2500+G4 gas turbines for the Italian-French-Moroccan FREMM programme, which includes eight vessels each for the Italian and French navies, in addition to one for the Royal Moroccan Navy.
Avio Aero strategic marketing and product leadership Giulio Ranzo said: "Avio Aero has long been a proud partner with the Italian Navy, assembling and servicing GE LM2500 and LM2500+G4 gas turbine modules that power our country’s Cavour aircraft carrier and the Italian-French-Moroccan FREMM frigates. In total, GE LM2500 gas turbines power seven Italian Navy ship classes."
As part of the FREMM programme, the company will assemble the gas turbine into a propulsion module built in Brindisi, Italy.
The Avio Aero propulsion system includes a sophisticated turbine control system developed and manufactured by the company and gas turbine auxiliaries. Avio Aero is currently supporting services on the installed units.
Ranzo added: "We are in the midst of an international LM2500 repair project in Brindisi, via a multi-year overhaul and repair contract with the Royal Canadian Navy.
"This project will ensure long-term employment for our talented technical staff in this region of Italy and is a great opportunity for Avio Aero to apply leading-edge gas turbine technologies for customers worldwide."
Image: Avio Aero’s LM2500+G4 gas turbines. Photo: courtesy of GE AVIO S.r.l.
