Propellers for Zumwalt delivered

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Rolls-Royce has delivered twin fixed-pitch propellers to Bath Iron Works in Maine for installation on the future USS Zumwalt, first ship of the DDG 1000 destroyer class. The delivery marks the completion of the power and propulsion system delivery from Rolls-Royce, following the MT30 main turbine generator sets and the RR4500 auxiliary turbine generator sets, which already have been installed and tested. The five-bladed nickel aluminium bronze propellers measure more than 18 feet in diameter and weigh nearly 60,000 pounds apiece. The propellers were cast and machined at the Rolls-Royce facility in Pascagoula. The production of the unique pattern, designed by Naval Sea Systems Command, began more than six years ago, with the first set of finished propellers being delivered by Rolls-Royce from Pascagoula to Bath Iron Works in May. (Source: Seapower Magazine, 07/28/15)