News & Events

May 12, 2005

US Navy Awards $26,400,000 contract for ETF40B Engine to Vericor
Engine upgrade delivers more benefits than US Navy anticipated

The US Navy awarded Vericor two contracts totaling approximately $26,400,000 for the upgrade of twenty ETF40B engines. These engine upgrades are part of the US Navy’s Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which includes the conversion and upgrade of approximately 76 vessels. Thirty-seven upgraded ETF40B engines have been delivered to the US Navy to date under this program. The LCAC Hovercraft uses four engines per vessel (two engines for lift and two engines for propulsion). There are currently six (6) upgraded LCAC Hovercraft in operation today being powered by ETF40B engines and several other vessels in the process of being upgraded.

Initially, the US Navy opted for the engine upgrade to extend the service life of the engine, boosting time between overhauls from 2000 hours to 4000 hours. However, they have realized additional benefits with the ETF40B including the ability to go further, deliver heavier payloads, and operate at higher sea states and in hotter ambient conditions.

Vericor’s production partner Standard Aero Energy located in Winnipeg, Canada will perform the upgrades and conversions. Work is scheduled for completion by July 2006.

About Vericor
Vericor is an MTU Aero Engines Company based in Alpharetta, Georgia USA. Vericor is the OEM for the TF and ASE series aeroderivative gas turbines, and supplies systems and related services for marine, oil and gas and power generation customers. For additional information visit www.vericor.com

Editor Contact:
Tom Bray
(770) 569-8803
tom.bray@vericor.com