The US Navy is powering drone ships with Rolls-Royce engines which can drive for up to 30 days without human…

• The US Navy approved Rolls Royce engines for autonomous surface vessels
• The certified engines can support missions lasting up to 30 days
• Series 4000 engines completed two separate 720-hour durability trials

The US Navy has approved Rolls-Royce marine engines for unmanned vessels capable of operating for periods reaching 30 days without crews onboard.

The certification covers mtu Series 4000 and Series 2000 engines following tests examining their suitability for extended autonomous naval missions.

The approval comes as the Navy expands its use of unmanned surface vessels for missions where keeping sailors away from danger remains important.

Rolls Royce engines clear tests for autonomous vessels

The Series 4000 completed two separate 720-hour durability assessments before receiving approval for propulsion and onboard electricity generation duties.

That engine can deliver as much as 4,300 kilowatts for propulsion while providing up to 3,000 kilowatts through its electrical generation system.

The smaller Series 2000 gained...

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