Hybrid electrical drive for OPCs

Leonardo DRS’ permanent magnet motor, used for years to power oil rigs yet is no bigger than a clothes dryer, will help propel the Coast Guard's new Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC), the first of which is being built at Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) in Panama City, Fla. The Virginia-based firm was awarded a $10.7M contract in 2017 to furnish nine hybrid electric drive systems for the Heritage-class OPCs. Leonardo DRS is already building a second system for the second OPC, the Chase. ESG began cutting steel in January for the first ship in class, the Argus, and successfully achieving the milestone even after sustaining damage and work interruptions due to Hurricane Michael back in early October. Two 625-hp permanent magnet motors will power the OPC’s hybrid-electric drive system, designed to provide auxiliary propulsion to the ship's main diesel engines. The system will increase fuel efficiency, decrease emissions, and reduce wear and tear on the main diesel engines, according to Greg Reed, senior director for business development in Leonardo DRS' naval power unit. (Source: Military.com 02/05/19)