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Navy funds further ship generator research

PARSSIPANY, N.J., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy awarded DRS Technologies $6 million to continue development of a magnet generator that will power next-generation warships.

The award announced Monday by the New Jersey company brings the total value of its contract for the development of the High-Speed Permanent Magnet Electric Generator prototype to $12 million.

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The Navy is seeking a generator that will run at 7,000 rpm and produce 10.6 megawatts of power, which could be scaled up to 25 megawatts. One of DRS' primary goals will be to reduce the size of such generators as much as three times that of current models.

The device will eventually be used for future surface ships and submarines. DRS is involved in power-system designs for the DDG-1000 destroyer, the Littoral Combat Ship and the CVN-78 aircraft carrier.

"This program will substantially extend the state of the art in permanent magnet generator performance, while identifying other potential technologies to be developed and applied to further enhance the system," said Roger Sexauer, president of NRS' Power Systems unit.

Development work will take place at DRS facilities in Massachusetts. The finished product will be delivered to the Navy in Philadelphia for testing.

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